Dolly Parton gets new star on Hollywood Walk of Fame after vandalism

Dolly Parton's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame has been replaced after the original one was vandalised following the late country legend's death last week.

Fans had laid flowers and left candles around her star in the heart of Hollywood, Los Angeles, which was awarded in 1984.

But on Monday, photos showed it had been damaged after vandals scratched it, leaving her name badly defaced.

Repairs were carried out on Wednesday, and the Hollywood Historic Trust said the new star will be unveiled on Friday.

"The Hollywood Historic Trust and Hollywood Chamber of Commerce are proud to honour the legacy of Dolly Parton with a replacement of her star," the organisation wrote on Instagram on Wednesday.

"The new star will be available for viewing this Friday."

Ana Martinez of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce said the tribute items left on the star had been cleared before the work, which had already been planned to repair cracks before it was vandalised.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a landmark with more than 2,800 stars embedded along Hollywood Boulevard.

It marks the achievements of individuals and groups across the entertainment industry.

Tributes poured in from around the music world and beyond after Parton, known for hits including 9 to 5 and Jolene, died last week at the age of 80.

The singer-songwriter was laid to rest next to her late husband Carl Dean at a private family funeral in Nashville on Friday.

The following evening, one of Parton's nieces, Jada Star, performed as part of a tribute concert at Nashville's Grand Ole Opry House, regarded as the home of country music.

Elsewhere, Parton's theme park Dollywood has announced several new features to honour its "dreamer-in-chief".

The singer and actress purchased the Tennessee attraction in 1982, seeing it as a counterpart to Disneyland.

It has since become the biggest ticketed tourist attraction in Tennessee, receiving about four million visitors per year.

A waterfall will be added outside the chapel's front steps, creating a "peaceful setting for guests to pause, reflect and enjoy the natural beauty" of the area, a statement said.

The chapel will also have new stained-glass windows to reflect one of Parton's favourite Bible verses: "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven."

Also, to honour Parton's love of children and her Imagination Library book donation programme, the park will introduce a new character called the Dream Maker next year.