CNN has issued an apology to the Parton family after broadcasting an incorrect photograph during a tribute segment. During Tuesday evening’s airing of “Laura Coates Live,” the network mistakenly displayed an image of Kelly Vohnn, a Las Vegas-based tribute performer, instead of the legendary country music icon herself. The photo appeared as part of a montage that included five actual images of Parton.
Vohnn, who has built a career performing as a Dolly Parton impersonator, expressed her shock upon learning she had been featured on the broadcast. She told media outlets that she received numerous messages from friends alerting her to the mix-up. The performer acknowledged her deep admiration for Parton, noting the emotional difficulty of seeing her own image used in such circumstances.
Parton, the acclaimed country music legend, passed away on August 25 at age 80 following a brief cancer battle. Throughout her seven-decade career, she created hundreds of songs and became known worldwide for classics including “I Will Always Love You,” “9 to 5,” and “Jolene.” CNN acknowledged the error in a statement, expressing regret to the Parton family over the incident.
Originally reported by Variety →
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