CNN Apologizes for Airing Impersonator Photo in Dolly Parton Tribute

CNN has apologized to the family of country music legend Dolly Parton after mistakenly airing a photograph of a Las Vegas tribute artist during its coverage of Parton's death. The error occurred during a tribute montage on the network's "Laura Coates Live" program on August 26, 2026, just over a day after Parton passed away at the age of 80.

The network confirmed the mistake in a statement, saying, "We regret the error and apologize to the Parton family." The incorrect image, which showed tribute performer Kelly Vohnn, was broadcast as correspondent Shimon Prokupecz reported from Nashville on the city's reaction to Parton's passing. The photograph was part of a montage that included five authentic images of Parton.

Vohnn, a 58-year-old singer who has built a career performing as a tribute artist for Parton and other stars, learned of the broadcast when friends began texting her. "I started getting all these texts from friends saying that I was on CNN, and I couldnt believe it," Vohnn told reporters. "I was already heartbroken at losing Dolly because of how much she has given to me as a woman and an artist. But then to see these images of me on screen was just weird."