Emergency repairs are underway on Hollywood Boulevard after Dolly Parton's star on the Walk of Fame was vandalised, just a week after the country music icon's death.
A site of mourning turned target
Parton, 80, died last Tuesday following a brief battle with cancer, prompting an outpouring of grief worldwide. In the days since, her star, originally dedicated in 1984, became a gathering point for fans, with hundreds of flowers, cards, and tributes left at the site.
On Monday evening, visitors discovered that several floral arrangements had been removed and that deep scratches had been deliberately gouged into the star's surface, specifically targeting Parton's name.
How officials responded
Ana Martinez, a spokesperson for the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, confirmed officials were alerted by a fan on Monday night. She clarified that while the star had some pre-existing minor cracks from natural wear over the decades, the deliberate damage prompted the Hollywood Historic Trust to bring in repair crews immediately the following morning.
Martinez explained that flowers had already been cleared the day before for scheduled maintenance, and that crews are now cutting out the damaged section and re-pouring the star. The repair is expected to cure and be polished by Friday, when the site will reopen for fans.
Reaction from fans
The vandalism sparked strong reaction online, with many expressing disbelief that anyone would target a memorial for a figure widely regarded as one of the most universally loved public figures. Officials confirmed security will monitor the site while repairs set, allowing mourners to return once the star is restored later in the week.
