CNN Apologizes for Mistakenly Airing Photo of Dolly Parton Impersonator in Report on Late Singer
CNN apologised to Dolly Parton’s family after mistakenly showing a photograph of tribute performer Kelly Vohnn during a report on the singer’s death. The error, made during “Laura Coates Live”, drew attention because the image appeared in a memorial segment for one of country music’s most recognisable figures.
The incorrect Getty Images photograph showed Vohnn at a Las Vegas film screening in December 2025 and was included among five genuine images of Parton as CNN reported from Nashville. Parton died on 25 August aged 80 after a brief battle with cancer, according to her representatives; her seven-decade career produced songs including “I Will Always Love You”, “9 to 5” and “Jolene”.
- CNN aired a tribute artist’s photo in Dolly Parton death coverage.
- The network apologised to Parton’s family.
- Parton died aged 80 after cancer.
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Dolly Parton was an American country singer, songwriter and actor whose career lasted for decades. She became widely known for songs such as “Jolene”, “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You”.
Kelly Vohnn is a tribute performer who appears as Parton. News organisations often use photographs to illustrate reports, so identifying the person in an image matters, especially in coverage of someone’s death.