CNN Apologizes for Mistakenly Airing Photo of Dolly Parton Impersonator in Report on Late Singer
CNN apologised to Dolly Parton’s family after mistakenly using an image of tribute performer Kelly Vohnn during a report on the singer’s death. The error occurred in a photo montage on “Laura Coates Live”, highlighting the risk of misidentification during fast-moving breaking-news coverage.
The broadcast aired on Tuesday evening and included five genuine photographs of Parton alongside the incorrect Getty Images photo of Vohnn, taken at a Las Vegas screening in December 2025. Parton died on 25 August aged 80 after a brief battle with cancer, according to her representatives; Vohnn said seeing herself on screen while mourning Parton felt “weird”.
- CNN aired a Dolly Parton impersonator’s photo by mistake.
- The network apologised to Parton’s family.
- Dolly Parton died aged 80 after cancer.
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Dolly Parton was an American singer and songwriter whose career spanned country music, films and television. She was widely known for songs such as “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You”, as well as her public work supporting literacy and education.
Kelly Vohnn is a tribute performer who recreates Parton’s look and performs in her style. News reports about a death often use photographs from archives and picture agencies, where images are labelled with names and event details.
The incident highlights how a mistaken caption or image can lead viewers to identify someone incorrectly, especially during breaking-news coverage. It also shows why broadcasters need to check photographs carefully before using them.