CNN Apologizes for Using Photo of Dolly Parton Impersonator in Report
Variety • • entertainment
Key Points:
- CNN mistakenly aired a photo of Dolly Parton tribute artist Kelly Vohnn instead of the country singer during a tribute segment on "Laura Coates Live" following Parton's death.
- The photo of Vohnn, taken at a Las Vegas event in 2025, was sourced from Getty Images and used in a montage alongside actual images of Parton.
- CNN issued a formal apology to the Parton family, expressing regret for the error.
- Kelly Vohnn expressed mixed emotions, feeling heartbroken over Parton's passing but finding the mistaken use of her image "weird."
- Dolly Parton passed away on August 25 at age 80 after a brief battle with cancer.
