CNN Admits Mistake in Dolly Parton Coverage, Apologizes to Impersonator

CNN aired a photo of tribute artist Kelly Vohnn instead of Dolly Parton during coverage of the singer's death. Vohnn said she was heartbroken and criticized the network for not doing proper research. CNN issued an apology to the Parton family and to Vohnn.

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The erroneous image appeared on "Laura Coates Live" roughly twelve hours after Parton's death was announced, which followed a brief cancer battle. The photograph of Vohnn originated from a December red carpet event in Las Vegas for the film "Song Sung Blue," where multiple impersonators were present.

Vohnn, who learned of the mistake through texts from friends, emphasized in an Instagram statement that she never authorized use of her likeness to deceive anyone. She noted this was not the first time such confusion had occurred,