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CNN Apologizes to Dolly Parton’s Family After Using Photo of Vegas Impersonator During Death Coverage
CNN said it regretted the mix-up after airing a photo of Las Vegas performer Kelly Vohnn during a tribute to Dolly Parton.
- On Tuesday evening, CNN mistakenly aired a photo of 58-year-old tribute artist Kelly Vohnn instead of legendary singer Dolly Parton during the 11 p.m. ET hour of 'Laura Coates Live' while covering Parton's death.
- Parton died Tuesday, August 25, at age 80 after a 'brief battle with cancer,' prompting the network to air a tribute segment where the error occurred just over six minutes into the broadcast.
- The incorrect image was taken December 16, 2025, in Las Vegas, where Vohnn attended a screening of the film 'Song Sung Blue' at Brenden Theatres inside Palms Casino Resort, according to the photo agency.
- Vohnn told The New York Post on Thursday that the snafu was 'quite embarrassing,' emphasizing she has 'never represented' herself as Parton in her life.
- CNN issued a formal apology to the Parton family on Thursday, stating 'We regret the error and apologize to the Parton family,' as the network continues honoring her seven-decade career.
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The network showed an image of Kelly Vohnn, known for imitating the artist in Las Vegas, and later apologized to the family
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CNN apologises after big mistake in Dolly Parton coverage
When you think of how many photos must exist of the late and great Dolly Parton, you'd imagine that broadcasters would be spoilt for choice in the options available to use in coverage celebrating her life. That considered, it's not great that CNN managed to use one of a Dolly impersonator rather than the real […]
Coverage Details
Total News Sources53
Leaning Left13Leaning Right16Center12Last UpdatedBias Distribution39% Right
Bias Distribution
- 39% of the sources lean Right
39% Right
L 32%
C 29%
R 39%
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