CNN recently issued an apology after mistakenly broadcasting a photograph of a Dolly Parton impersonator during their coverage of the country music star’s passing. Dolly Parton, a legendary figure in music, died at 80 years of age following a battle with cancer. Her death prompted widespread mourning and tributes globally.
During a segment of “Laura Coates Live,” broadcast from Nashville by CNN correspondent Shimon Prokupecz, a series of images was shown. However, among them was an image not of the singer, but of Kelly Vohnn, a tribute artist. This occurred at a screening of “Song Sung Blue,” a film featuring a Neil Diamond tribute band. CNN expressed regret for the mistake and extended apologies to Parton’s family.
Vohnn, who received numerous messages after her image was aired, described the situation as “weird” and expressed sympathy toward Parton’s family. Speaking with the New York Post, the Canadian-born impersonator conveyed her discomfort and noted CNN’s mistake in selection.
Despite the error, Dolly Parton’s legacy remains untarnished. Known for her rise from humble origins in the Smoky Mountains to international acclaim, she continues to be celebrated for her music and impact on culture.
Joseph A. Wulfsohn, a media reporter for Fox News Digital, provided additional insights for this report.