Devastating blow days after Dolly Parton’s death as icon’s tribute found vandalised

Dolly Parton’s Hollywood Walk of Fame star has been vandalised just days after the music icon’s death, dealing another devastating blow to millions of mourners.

The star on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles has been surrounded by flowers and gifts left by fans since news of Parton’s death broke last week.

But on Monday well-wishers arrived to discover it covered in scratches that appeared to be the work of unknown vandals.

A video shared to TikTok appeared to show a photo of the star with large scratches over Parton’s name and the record symbol beneath it.

Fans were horrified by the sight and flooded the comments section with heartbroken messages.

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“How evil do you have to be to hate Dolly?!?!” one wrote.

Another said, “But why? She supported everyone and never was involved with politics? I don’t get it”.

Ana Martinez, producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, told Newsweek that based on images she’d seen online “it does appear the star was vandalised with scratches”.

Fortunately, there are already plans to return Parton’s star to its former glory.

The star was already cracked prior to the alleged vandalism and repair work was scheduled late last week to restore it in light of Parton’s sudden death.

Floral tributes and letters from fans were removed from the area on Monday to allow for repairs to begin, with the first stage completed on Tuesday.

Now it will be allowed to cure before being polished, after which fans will be allowed to place tributes at the site again.

The Hollywood Historic Trust, which maintains every star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, will continue work on Friday.

The apparent vandalism was a devastating sight for fans and mourners all over the world, who were shaken by Parton’s sudden death aged 80 after a brief battle with cancer.

She was laid to rest over the weekend at an intimate funeral in Nashville, attended by a selection of her closest family and friends.

But there was positive news from her estate just yesterday.

They announced Dollyfest, a two-day festival will be held in London and Nashville next year to honour Parton’s life and legacy in the way she would have wanted; with music, dancing, and an abundance of joy.