CNN apologises to Dolly Parton's family after mistakenly broadcasting photo of impersonator during tribute
CNN has issued an apology after accidentally using a photo of a Dolly Parton impersonator while reporting on her death.
The iconic singer tragically passed away on Tuesday (25 August) following a ‘brief battle with cancer’.
After the news broke, broadcaster CNN paid a tribute to Dolly during the Laura Coates Live show.
However, instead of a shot of the Queen of Country, the broadcaster accidentally used one of Las Vegas-based Dolly Parton tribute act Kelly Vohnn.
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The image of Vohnn was taken at the screening of the Song Sung Blue movie at Brenden Theatres at the Palms Casino Resort and showed her in a pale-coloured mini dress covered in rhinestones and sporting a blonde Dolly-hairdo and full face of makeup.
CNN has since apologised for the mix-up telling Variety: “We regret the error and apologise to the Parton family.”
The mistake has since come to the attention of Vohnn, who told the New York Post she found the whole situation ‘weird’.
“I started getting all these texts in from friends saying that I was on CNN, and I couldn’t believe it,” she said.
“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.”
She added: “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.”
Vohnn went on to stress that although she is a tribute act for the late, great singer she has never attempted to pass herself off as the real deal.
“I have always been known as a tribute act for her and many other stars,” Vohnn said.
CNN isn’t the first company to issue an apology in the wake of Dolly’s passing.
Hersheypark was met with a backlash online after sharing an ‘insensitive’ social media post.
The 121-acre family amusement park in Hershey, Pennsylvania, responded to a fan praising Dollywood’s affordable ticket prices on X.
“And she kept the prices reasonable in this economy,” the user wrote above a screenshot of Dollywood’s $99 one-day ticket prices.
Hersheypark then replied in a now-deleted comment: “Our summer tickets are $49.99.”
After the post was widely slammed by fellow social media users, the park then issued a statement to PEOPLE.
“We join the millions mourning the loss of Dolly Parton, whose generosity, talent and spirit touched so many,” the park said.
“A member of our social media team noticed inaccurate pricing information about Hersheypark within a post and intended to respond directly just to that individual to correct it, not realising the reply would appear as a response to a conversation about Dollywood.
“It was removed as soon as we recognised the context. We sincerely apologise for any insensitivity.”
Celebrities who have paid tribute to Dolly Parton
Miley Cyrus
Parton's goddaughter wrote on Instagram: "The feeling of losing my Aunt Dolly is beyond what feels right to share. Our most sacred moments were private and they’ll stay there behind the stage, beneath the glamour & between our hearts.
"What I KNOW is Dolly would want me to feel it, write a song about it, and then continue on and be strong. I have an angel by my side. I always have. One of our last conversations was about music and metamorphosis.
"I will always love her and want to make her proud. My heart breaks for the world, her family and friends who will miss her deeply. We’re in this loss together and we will see her in all of the most beautiful things."
Donald Trump
The US president wrote on Truth Social: "Very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER, has just passed away.
"This is a true loss for millions of people. There has never been anyone like her, and never will.
"In her honor, I am lowering the American flag throughout the United States for a one week period beginning tonight at 6:00PM. Rest in Peace, Dolly! The World loves you."
Taylor Swift
Parton had previously praised Swift as a 'great inspiration', and the billionaire songstress wrote a touching tribute for the country icon.
She wrote: "A world without Dolly doesn’t feel possible, real, or right. But because of the eternally generous way she spent her time on this earth and the countless lives she changed for the better, her legacy will be an everlasting one.
“She was truly the gift that kept on giving. Dolly gave us someone to look up to while encouraging us to be who we are as individuals. Somehow she was able to give us her lessons about the world gently and honestly, simultaneously, and oftentimes hilariously.
"She managed to give the world the ultimate mystery and fantasy in some corners of her life, but to give full transparency in the ways that counted.
"Somehow she was true grace and true grit, all in one dazzling person. She possessed the softest heart when it came to the struggles of others, and a backbone of steel to defend her own self worth as an artist.
“Along with her other fans, I am so grateful for all of it. For the melodies and lyrics she wrote that thawed even the coldest hearts. For the millions of books she provided children all over the world so that they might fall in love with stories the way she did. For the tightropes she walked so that young girls like me could grow up dreaming of joining the circus too.
“Dolly, I’ll think of you each step of the way."
Beyoncé
The singer, who created her own version of 'Jolene' back in 2024, wrote: "Dolly, you were the barometer. The north star. Bold and brilliant. Talented and tenacious. You taught so many lessons on how to be uniquely oneself.
"I am grateful for your art, your heart, your generosity, your humour, your entrepreneurship. I’m honoured that I had the privilege to work with you. I will treasure that forever.
"Thank you for your profound impact on the world. You are an angel who has made this world a happier place because of your joyful art. You are truly one of one. Rest peacefully.”
Eminem
The 'Real Slim Shady' rapper shared a note from Parton congratulating him on his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame back in 2022.
Parton wrote in the note: "Even though I don't know a lot about rap music, I've come to know that you are the very best at it.
"I have always felt some unexplained connection to you like I know you somehow.
"Just know you are very special and touch people in ways you don't even know."
Eminem wrote: "I’m sorry we never got a chance to meet, but getting this note from Dolly really had an impact on me. She definitely didn’t have to take the time to do it.
"Even for a kid who mostly listened to rap music, she was an icon. A superstar in every sense.
"Rest easy Dolly. And thank you for the kind words."
Topics: Dolly Parton
Claire Reid