Dolly Parton impersonator photo mistake forced CNN to apologize after its tribute coverage.
CNN has apologized to Dolly Parton’s family after the network mistakenly used a photo of a Las Vegas tribute performer while covering the country legend’s death.
The image showed Kelly Vohnn, a performer known for portraying Parton, during a report on Laura Coates Live, according to Entertainment Weekly.
CNN Says It Regrets The Error
A CNN spokesperson told Entertainment Weekly, “We regret the error and apologize to the Parton family.”
The mistake happened as news organizations were covering Parton’s death and the tributes that followed.
Parton died Tuesday, August 25, 2026, in Nashville at age 80 after a brief battle with cancer, according to The Associated Press.
Who Is Kelly Vohnn?
Vohnn is a Las Vegas-based entertainer whose website promotes her Dolly Parton tribute show, DOLLY: The Living Legend.
Entertainment Weekly reported that CNN used a photo of Vohnn taken in Las Vegas, while apparently presenting it as an image of Parton.
Vohnn said in a video cited by Entertainment Weekly that she is a Dolly Parton impersonator and has never tried to make people believe she is the real Parton.
Vohnn Says The Mix-Up Was Painful
Vohnn said she was saddened by Parton’s death and upset that her image had been used in a way that could confuse viewers.
She told Entertainment Weekly that she was relieved CNN had reached out to Parton’s family to apologize.
Vohnn also said she wants to honor Parton’s legacy through kindness, giving and respect for the singer’s family.
Parton’s Family Shared Her Legacy
Parton’s official website described her as a global icon and humanitarian who died peacefully in Nashville.
The family said a small private service would be held for immediate relatives, according to DollyParton.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family asked fans to donate to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
The literacy program has donated more than 300 million books to children around the world, according to Parton’s official site.
Why The Error Drew Attention
The mistake stood out because Parton was one of the most photographed and recognizable entertainers in American music.
It also came during a sensitive moment, when fans, friends and family were mourning her death.
For newsrooms, the error is a reminder that tribute images must be checked carefully, especially when performers and impersonators closely resemble famous public figures.
CNN’s apology closed the immediate issue, but the moment has become part of the wider coverage of how media outlets handled the death of one of country music’s most beloved figures.