Someone vandalized a popular mural of Dolly Parton on Monday, August 3. They splattered the mural, which stands outside the 5 Spot in East Nashville, with black paint. The paint covered some of Parton's nose and dripped down below her chin.
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The popular mural has been a part of East Nashville since 2020, when local artist Kim Radford created it. A key aspect of the artwork is that it included Parton's words in support of the Black Lives Matter Movement.
"Of course Black lives matter. Do we think our little white (expletive) are the only ones that matter?" the famous quote said.
Radford replaced part of the curse word with butterflies on the mural.
Upon reviewing security footage, the authorities identified a man with long black hair and a tattoo on his arm. The owner of the 5 spot quickly figured out who the vandal could be. By late afternoon on Monday, not only did
the 5 Spot reveal that they knew who had committed the vandalism, but they also knew what led the man to do so."He's in a bad mental state," the music venue shared.
Charges are not going to be pressed against the vandal. However, plans have already been put in place to restore the mural to its usual self.
There's a Cool Story Behind the Dolly Parton Mural
As with most iconic artwork, there's a cool story behind the Dolly Parton mural, and it's all to do with the quote.
"I looked at her quote in particular, and it was so sassy and a sensitive comment about something that got a lot of friction in the air right now," Kim Radford said at the time, via the Associated Press. "And she just treated it just like Dolly does: lovingly. And it was just perfect."
Radford then continued by explaining how she wanted the mural to be a symbol of unity.
"I wanted it to be a real display of an icon, fun, bright, artistic way," said Radford. "It's a representation of an icon that Americans and really people across the globe are really proud to know and love her music...I've had fans reach out from as far as Dubai. A lot of women. And I have to say, 95% super positive."
Hopefully, the mural will look as good, if not better, than before the vandalism took place. And just as importantly, hopefully the man responsible gets the help he needs.
