CNN has apologised after mistakenly showing a photo of Dolly Parton impersonator Kelly Vohnn while reporting on the country music icon’s death.
Parton died on August 25 at the age of 80 after a battle with cancer. During an episode of Laura Coates Live, CNN used an image of Vohnn instead of the legendary singer, actress and philanthropist.
The mix-up happened while the network covered the sad news of Parton’s death. The photo used was from Vohnn’s appearance at the red-carpet premiere of the film Song Sung Blue in 2025.
In a statement issued on August 27, CNN acknowledged the mistake and apologised to Parton’s loved ones.
“We regret the error and apologise to the Parton family,” the network told The New York Post.
Parton’s family had not publicly commented on the on-air error at the time of publication.However, Vohnn said she was shocked and embarrassed when she saw that CNN had used her photo.
The 58-year-old performer said the mistake came at a difficult moment because she was already mourning Parton, whom she greatly admired.
“I was already heartbroken at losing Dolly because of how much she has given to me as a woman and an artist,” Vohnn said. “But then to see these images of me on screen was just weird.”
She explained that she first learned about the incident after receiving many messages from friends who had watched the CNN broadcast.
“I started getting all these texts in from friends saying that I was on CNN,” she said. “I couldn’t believe it.”
Vohnn is known for performing tribute shows inspired by Parton and other famous stars. She stressed that she has never claimed to actually be Dolly Parton.
“To be clear, I have never represented myself as being Dolly ever in my life,” she said. “I have always been known as a tribute act for her and many other stars.”
She added that she felt sorry for Parton and her family, saying there were many memorable photos from the star’s long and successful career that CNN could have used.
Parton’s death has left fans, fellow musicians and celebrities around the world grieving. Her goddaughter, singer Miley Cyrus, paid tribute to her in an emotional Instagram post on August 26.
Cyrus said Parton would want people to feel their pain, turn it into music and remain strong. She also described the late singer as an angel who would always remain by her side.
“My heart breaks for the world, her family and friends who will miss her deeply,” Cyrus wrote.