Dolly Parton's Walk of Fame Star Vandalised as Vandals Scratch Her Name and Remove Memorial Candles

Dolly Parton's Hollywood Walk of Fame star has been vandalised just days after the country music legend's death, with deep scratches reportedly made across her name as fans continued to gather at the site to mourn her.

The damage was discovered after the iconic star had become a makeshift memorial covered with flowers, cards, and other tributes from fans.

Parton died aged 80 on 25 August 2026, following a brief battle with cancer. Her death prompted tributes from fans around the world, while her Walk of Fame star on Hollywood Boulevard became one of the places where mourners gathered to honour her memory. The star, located at 6712 Hollywood Boulevard, was installed in 1984.

Vandals Target Parton's Name

The vandalism was reported after a fan visiting the landmark noticed extensive markings across the brass section bearing Parton's name. Hollywood Walk of Fame producer Ana Martinez said the star had already been scheduled for maintenance because of cracks that had developed before the reported vandalism.

Lore Corona, a fan visiting with her daughters, said they had intended to leave flowers at the Walk of Fame star, but instead found it damaged. Corona said a custodian at the location told her that a woman had allegedly kicked candles that mourners had placed around the memorial and then allegedly used broken pieces to scratch the star, per FOX 11 Los Angeles.

Corona took to social media to share a video of the star's condition as they found it. 'Somebody decided to do this about 10 minutes before we got here. It just doesn't make any sense,' she said in the video, after sharing that she and her daughters had decided to pay Parton respects and visit the star.

Memorial Tributes Removed

Parton's star had drawn a steady stream of mourners since news of her death this month. Visitors left bouquets, handwritten messages and candles at the Hollywood landmark, turning the pavement around it into an informal memorial to the country singer, actress, and philanthropist.

Reports also said flowers and other tributes were removed from the area. However, officials explained that the removal was connected to the repair work and not necessarily part of the vandalism itself.

The Hollywood Historic Trust has already planned work on the star due to its condition, and crews moved ahead with repairs after the damage was reported.

Star Undergoing Repair

Parton's star is reportedly being replaced as the Hollywood Historic Trust began restoration work after the damage was reported. Crews are reportedly removing the damaged star and preparing a replacement, per PEOPLE.

The replacement star is expected to undergo curing and polishing before its unveiling on 4 September.

Before Parton's death, she built a career spanning nearly six decades, moving from country music into film, television, and business, while becoming one of the genre's most successful performers.

She sold more than 100 million records worldwide, wrote nearly 3,000 songs, and won 11 Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award, with hits such as Jolene, 9 to 5, and I Will Always Love You.

Parton's influence also extended beyond entertainment through Dollywood and extensive charitable work, particularly her efforts to promote childhood literacy via the Imagination Library.