Dolly Parton's Hollywood Walk of Fame star has been repaired and transformed into a memorial following its vandalism shortly after her death. Crews restored the star on Wednesday.
The damaged star has since been decorated with delicate white feathers, bright yellow flowers, and a butterfly placed at its center. The yellow flowers are believed to be a tribute to Parton's 1989 hit song "Yellow Roses," while the butterfly is a nod to her long-standing association with the symbol, notably in her 1974 song "Love Is Like a Butterfly." Butterflies have been a recurring motif in her music, stage wardrobe, and even the logo for her theme park, Dollywood.
Parton, who died on August 25 at age 80 after a battle with cancer, had previously spoken about her fondness for butterflies, describing them as her favorite symbol due to their beauty and gentle nature. She recalled chasing them as a child in the Great Smoky Mountains and relating to their non-aggressive qualities.
The tribute follows an incident where fans discovered flowers had been removed from Parton's star and scratches had been carved into the brass. Ana Martinez, a spokesperson for the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, confirmed to TMZ that a fan was responsible for the damage. She also noted that the star already had cracks and was scheduled for repairs.
Parton's public appearances often featured her affinity for butterflies. Weeks before her passing, she appeared in a video promoting a new Dollywood attraction, humorously remarking that her doctors had "clipped" her wings when she was unable to attend in person due to health reasons. Her Hollywood star now reflects this enduring connection.