Aug 4, 2026 - News

The 5 Spot expresses understanding for vandal who damaged Dolly Parton mural

Nate Rau

Bright mural on a brick wall depicting a stylized blonde woman with flowing hair, surrounded by flowers and butterflies on a pink and purple background; text reads "Of course Black Lives matter." — Photo: courtesy of Alison Carmona Rau

What began as uproar surrounding the vandalism of a Dolly Parton mural in East Nashville ended with a call for understanding.

Driving the news: Security camera footage captured a man throwing black paint on the Dolly mural on the side of the bar and music venue The 5 Spot. The vandal also defaced a mural of legendary East Nashville artist Todd Snider.

The video was widely shared and local news outlets, including the Tennessean, covered the incident.
At first, The 5 Spot asked for help finding the vandal.

Yes, but: On Tuesday, The 5 Spot posted an update on social media that struck a sympathetic tone.

"We know who defaced the Dolly and Todd Snider murals," The 5 Spot wrote in its post. "He's explained himself. It was not done out of hate or anger towards any person, building, lifestyle or anything. He's in a bad mental state."

The latest: The 5 Spot says the mural artist will be back to clean up the mural. The vandal's paint, which was latex, may just peel off.

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The 5 Spot expresses understanding for vandal who damaged Dolly Parton mural

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