Overview
- CNN said "We regret the error and apologize to the Parton family" after a photo of Las Vegas tribute artist Kelly Vohnn ran during Laura Coates Live while the network reported Dolly Parton’s death.
- The image of Vohnn was a Getty Images photo taken Dec. 16, 2025, and it appeared in a montage roughly 11 p.m. ET on Aug. 25 about 12 hours after Parton’s death was announced.
- Vohnn said she did not authorize use of the photo, stressed she never represents herself as the real Dolly Parton, and said the broadcast left her overwhelmed with messages and embarrassed.
- News coverage notes the apology was limited to CNN’s statement to the Parton family and that no further internal corrective actions or public details have been reported so far.
- Media outlets and the impersonator called the error a reminder for stronger image checks during fast-moving coverage, and the incident highlights how archival photo sourcing can harm individuals and the subjects being memorialized.