“We regret the error”: CNN apologizes after mistakenly showing Dolly Parton tribute artist’s photo on air

Shatakshi Gupta Fri, August 28, 2026 at 4:26 AM UTC

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Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum Opens New Exhibit Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker ©Getty

On August 27, Variety reported that CNN apologized to Dolly Parton’s family because they mistakenly aired a photo of a Dolly Parton tribute artist instead of the late country singer. Dolly passed away on August 25 at 80. As shared by her reps, the 9 to 5 songstress died after a brief battle with cancer.

Following her demise, CNN’s “Laura Coates Live” reported on Parton’s death at 11 PM ET show during Tuesday evening’s broadcast. While they reported, the TV network mistakenly showcased a photo of Dolly Parton’s impersonator instead of the real artist. The tribute artist, identified as Kelly Vohnn, is a performer in Las Vegas. Throughout her career, she has reportedly portrayed the Jolene singer.

The news channel acknowledged their mistake and expressed regret, apologizing to the Parton family.

“We regret the error and apologize to the Parton family,” CNN said.

Dolly Parton’s impersonator also reacted to CNN’s blunder

Kelly Vohn also reacted to CNN’s error while talking to the New York Post. In her interview, Vohn revealed that she received a message from her friends that she was being featured on CNN :

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“I started getting all these texts in from friends saying that I was on CNN, and I couldn’t believe it.”

She shared that she was heartbroken by the news of Dolly’s death, but later she felt weird after she saw herself on screen.

“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.” Kelly Vohn said.

The tribute artist’s photo was shown in a group of pictures on “Laura Coates Live,” which included five real photos of the late icon, while CNN’s host Shimon Prokupecz was reporting live from Nashville.

In related news, Bryan Seaver, Dolly’s nephew, announced her passing on behalf of the singer’s family. She was reportedly admitted to the hospital on August 21, and she died surrounded by her loved ones.

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Source: “AOL Breaking”