CNN Apologizes for Mistakenly Airing Dolly Parton Impersonator Image

CNN issued an apology after mistakenly broadcasting a photo of a Dolly Parton impersonator during coverage of the music legend’s death. Dolly Parton passed away on Tuesday at the age of 80 following a brief battle with cancer. Her death resonated globally, with millions honoring the country artist.

During Tuesday’s episode of “Laura Coates Live,” a series of images was displayed as CNN correspondent Shimon Prokupecz reported from Nashville. Among those photos was one of Kelly Vohnn, a tribute artist for Parton. Vohnn was attending a screening last year for “Song Sung Blue,” a film featuring Neil Diamond tribute band Lightning & Thunder, with Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson.

“We regret the error and apologize to the Parton family,” a CNN spokesperson informed Fox News Digital.

Following the broadcast, Vohnn shared her experience with the New York Post, noting her surprise at receiving numerous texts about her appearance on CNN. Describing the moment as “weird,” she expressed sympathy and regret towards Parton, criticizing the network’s oversight.

“I started getting all these texts in from friends saying that I was on CNN, and I couldn’t believe it,” Vohnn, originally from Canada, said to the Post. “I felt so sorry and apologetic for Dolly … and CNN just picked something not appropriate.”

Vohnn went on to label CNN’s error as “quite embarrassing.”

Joseph A. Wulfsohn, a media reporter for Fox News Digital, contributed to this coverage. He accepts story tips at [email protected] and via Twitter: @JosephWulfsohn.