Dolly Parton’s Hollywood star gets a fresh start Friday after vandalism

Dolly Parton, the legendary country music artist who passed away last week at the age of 80, will receive a brand new star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Friday, officials have announced. The original star, which was dedicated in 1984, was defaced by vandals on Monday, leaving Parton's name badly damaged. Fans from across the United States had paid their respects to the musician, philanthropist and entrepreneur, flocking to her home state of Tennessee and leaving flowers and candles at her star in the heart of Hollywood.

President Donald Trump also ordered flags on government buildings to be flown at half-staff in mourning. Ana Martinez of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce stated that the tribute items left on the star had been cleared prior to the vandalism, in anticipation of scheduled repairs for cracks. The Hollywood Historic Trust, responsible for maintaining the thousands of stars along Hollywood Boulevard, confirmed that a replacement star would be ready within days and will be available for viewing this Friday.