There will only ever be one Dolly Parton—a fact that a major news network is being reminded of following an embarrassing oversight.
CNN has apologized after mistakenly airing a photograph of a Dolly Parton impersonator during its coverage of the country music legend’s death.
Dolly Parton at the ACM Awards – YouTube, Entertainment Tonight
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The error occurred Tuesday evening during Laura Coates Live, approximately 12 hours after Parton’s family announced that she had died at the age of 80.
As correspondent Shimon Prokupecz reported from Nashville, CNN displayed a montage of photographs intended to celebrate Parton’s life and career. However, one of the images featured Las Vegas tribute artist Kelly Vohnn rather than the queen of country music.
“We regret the error and apologize to the Parton family,” CNN said in a brief statement provided to Variety.
The network did not explain how the photograph made it onto the air or whether it would take any additional steps to prevent similar mistakes. With trust in the mainstream media already wavering, however, what might once have been dismissed as an amusing mix-up carries heavier consequences.
Dolly Parton Impersonator Criticizes CNN’s Mistake
The incorrectly identified image showed Vohnn wearing a sparkling white dress at a December 2025 screening of Song Sung Blue in Las Vegas.
Vohnn learned about the broadcast when friends began sending her messages saying they had seen her on CNN.
“I started getting all these texts in from friends saying that I was on CNN, and I couldn’t believe it,” she told the New York Post.
CNN forced to apologize to Dolly Parton’s family for using photo of Vegas impersonator in covering icon’s death https://t.co/L6M20jULjY pic.twitter.com/QwYd0ulhCC
— New York Post (@nypost) August 27, 2026
“I was already heartbroken at losing Dolly because of how much she has given to me as a woman and an artist,” Vohnn continued. “But then to see these images of me on screen was just weird.”
The longtime tribute performer criticized CNN for failing to properly verify the photograph before including it in such a sensitive report.
CNN’s coverage of Dolly Parton’s death, showing impersonator Kelly Vohnn – New York Post
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“Somebody at CNN really messed up and didn’t do their research,” she said. “I felt so sorry and apologetic for Dolly, because over her career there are so many wonderful images and moments that they could have chosen from—and CNN just picked something not appropriate.”
Vohnn also emphasized that she has never attempted to deceive anyone into believing she is Parton.
“To be clear, I have never represented myself as being Dolly ever in my life,” she explained. “I have always been known as a tribute act for her and many other stars. It was quite embarrassing, to be honest.”
Vohnn Privately Mourns Her Greatest Inspiration
Vohnn reportedly considered contacting CNN after discovering the error. However, she ultimately decided to remain home and privately mourn the woman who had profoundly influenced her life and career.
“I thought about calling CNN, but was really consumed by the grief of losing Dolly,” she said. “I just wanted to be at home with my thoughts, raising a glass of wine to that brilliant woman.”
Ribbon-cutting for Dolly Parton’s Tennessean Travel Stop – Good Morning America, YouTube
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Parton died Tuesday after what her representatives described as a brief battle with cancer. The legendary singer, songwriter, actress, and philanthropist leaves behind an extraordinary seven-decade career.
Unfortunately, CNN’s embarrassing mistake briefly shifted attention away from that remarkable legacy and toward an error that even a basic review of the photograph’s caption likely could have prevented. It may also lead some viewers to question CNN’s attentiveness when covering far more complex and consequential subjects.
For now, Parton’s fans will remember her as she was: a singular talent for whom there can be no substitute.
What do you think of CNN’s mistake? Sound off and let us know!
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