CNN Apologizes For Airing Dolly Impersonator Photo Instead of Late Singer

CNN apologized to the family of Dolly Parton for mistakenly airing a photo of Las Vegas performer Kelly Vohnn.

“We regret the error and apologize to the Parton family,” CNN said in a statement to Variety.

The error occurred just over six minutes into the network’s celebration of Parton’s life and legacy Tuesday night. Anchor Laura Coates introduced a segment featuring network correspondent Shimon Prokupecz, who was in Nashville the day Parton died.

As Prokupecz shared how the city was responding, a photo of Vohnn was aired onscreen as part of a montage featuring Parton.

“I started getting all these texts in from friends saying that I was on CNN, and I couldn’t believe it,” Vohnn later told The New York Post. “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.”

Vohnn, who has portrayed Parton several times, also said, “Somebody at CNN really messed up and didn’t do their research.”

“I felt so sorry and apologetic for Dolly, because over her career there are so many wonderful images and moments that they could have chosen from — and CNN just picked something not appropriate.”

Vohnn also told the New York Post she has never attempted to convince others she is actually Parton.

“To be clear, I have never represented myself as being Dolly ever in my life,” she added. “I have always been known as a tribute act for her and many other stars. It was quite embarrassing, to be honest.”

The photo of Vohnn was taken in Las Vegas in December.

Watch the above via CNN.

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