{"id":2650620,"date":"2026-08-27T15:36:02","date_gmt":"2026-08-27T19:36:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/cnn-uses-picture-of-dolly-parton-impersonator-during-death-coverage\/"},"modified":"2026-08-27T15:43:42","modified_gmt":"2026-08-27T19:43:42","slug":"cnn-uses-picture-of-dolly-parton-impersonator-during-death-coverage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/cnn-uses-picture-of-dolly-parton-impersonator-during-death-coverage\/","title":{"rendered":"CNN uses picture of Dolly Parton impersonator during death coverage"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">20<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fcnn-uses-picture-of-dolly-parton-impersonator-during-death-coverage%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2650620&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>CNN mistakenly displayed a photo of Dolly Parton impersonator Kelly Vohnn rather of the singer during coverage of her reported death.The error occurred during a segment on Laura Coates Live, prompting CNN to apologize to Parton\u2019s family. Vohnn, a tribute artist known for her Dolly impersonations, was surprised to see herself on screen and described the incident as embarrassing due to CNN\u2019s apparent lack of proper research. She expressed sympathy for Dolly Parton, whom she admired, and noted that she was grieving her passing at the time. The mistaken image highlighted the importance of accurate portrayal, especially in sensitive moments. Parton\u2019s family announced her death after a brief cancer battle, and Vohnn had shared her tribute to Parton on her website.CNN acknowledged the mistake and apologized publicly.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<article class=\"fn-body\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cable news network <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/cnn\/\">CNN<\/a> aired a photo of someone who was not legendary <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/music\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/music\">music<\/a> star Dolly Parton during its coverage of her <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/4699862\/dolly-parton-dies-at-age-80\/\">death<\/a>, and was forced to apologize to her family afterward.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/publix-democrat-state-official-blast-absolutely-false-and-offensive-cbs-60-minutes-smear-of-desantis\/\" title=\"Publix, Democrat State Official Blast \u2018Absolutely False And Offensive\u2019 CBS \u201860 Minutes\u2019 Smear Of DeSantis\">network aired<\/a> an image of a 58-year-old tribute artist instead of Parton. In the photo, Parton impersonator Kelly Vohnn is seen in true Parton fashion, donned up in all the glitz and glamour fit for the star, wearing a white dress with shoulder pads covered in rhinestones, and sporting a small rhinestone waist belt.<\/p>\n<section class=\"explore-more-section\" id=\"wex-recommended-widget\">\n<div class=\"magazine-container single\">\n<h1 class=\"magazine-title mt-2\">Recommended Stories<\/h1>\n<p>             <i class=\"fa-solid fa-play icon\"><\/i>         <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-grid\">\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/entertainment\/4703172\/cnn-picture-dolly-parton-impersonator-death-coverage\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>CNN uses picture of Dolly Parton impersonator during coverage of her death<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/entertainment\/4702909\/former-border-patrol-chief-claims-wants-killed\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>Former Border Patrol chief claims Trump administration wants him \u2018killed\u2019<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/entertainment\/4701242\/diner-en-blanc-picnic-returns-washington-dc-2026\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>Diner en Blanc is back in DC \u2014 but where will it be?<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The image aired during <em>Laura Coates Live<\/em>. As host Laura Coates and a reporter in <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/tennessee\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/tennessee\">Nashville<\/a> talked about Parton\u2019s legacy, the photo of Vohnn flashed on the screen.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wex-inarticle-ad wex-inarticle-ad-art-dsk-inart-1\">\n<div class=\"wex-ad-wrap wex-ad-art-dsk-inart-1\" style=\"min-height:90px\"><span class=\"wex-ad-label\" hidden>Advertisement<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-3182201-15\" data-wex-ad=\"art-dsk-inart-1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe regret the error and apologize to the Parton family,\u201d CNN told the <em>New York Post<\/em> in a statement.<\/p>\n<div style=\"display: inline-block; width: 100%; max-width: 640px; min-height: 180px; max-height: 360px; overflow: hidden;\">\n<div style=\"position: relative; width: 100%; padding-top: 56.25%;\"><iframe src=\"https:\/\/share.grabien.com\/share?id=3699658&#038;userid=11311&#038;usertype=user&#038;loginid=10455&#038;playercolor=%23000000&#038;playersize=auto&#038;code=a7dac68a6a45ca699eee37bb570604d0\" style=\"position: absolute; top: 0px; left: 0px; width: 100%; height: 100%; border: 0px;\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Parton\u2019s nephew announced her death on <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/DceNXgPJyZ9\/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&#038;igsi=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==\">social media<\/a> Tuesday after a \u201cbrief battle with cancer.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In an <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/2026\/08\/27\/media\/cnn-apologizes-to-dolly-partons-family-for-using-photo-of-las-vegas-impersonator-in-coverage-of-icons-death\/?utm_campaign=nypost&#038;utm_medium=social&#038;utm_source=twitter\">interview<\/a> with the <em>New York Post<\/em>, Vohnn said friends started texting her that she was on CNN.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wex-inarticle-ad wex-inarticle-ad-art-dsk-inart-2\">\n<div class=\"wex-ad-wrap wex-ad-art-dsk-inart-2\" style=\"min-height:90px\"><span class=\"wex-ad-label\" hidden>Advertisement<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-3182201-16\" data-wex-ad=\"art-dsk-inart-2\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI was already heartbroken at losing Dolly because of how much she has given to me as a woman and an artist,\u201d Vohnn said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cBut then to see these images of me on screen was just weird,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Vohnn\u2019s <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/kellyvohnn.com\/\">website<\/a> featured a section called \u201cDOLLY \u2014 THE LIVING LEGEND,\u201d where Vohnn showcased her work in a video, dancing and singing on stage.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wex-inarticle-ad wex-inarticle-ad-art-dsk-inart-3\">\n<div class=\"wex-ad-wrap wex-ad-art-dsk-inart-3\" style=\"min-height:90px\"><span class=\"wex-ad-label\" hidden>Advertisement<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-3182201-17\" data-wex-ad=\"art-dsk-inart-3\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI\u2019m so excited to present to you my new Dolly show called \u2018DOLLY \u2014 The Living Legend\u2019 honoring this Diva\u2019s many looks and music throughout the years. It\u2019s a high energy and fun show for the whole family,\u201d the site says.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Vohnn said the image was \u201cembarrassing\u201d for CNN.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cSomebody at CNN really messed up and didn\u2019t do their research,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wex-inarticle-ad wex-inarticle-ad-art-dsk-inart-4\">\n<div class=\"wex-ad-wrap wex-ad-art-dsk-inart-4\" style=\"min-height:90px\"><span class=\"wex-ad-label\" hidden>Advertisement<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-3182201-25\" data-wex-ad=\"art-dsk-inart-4\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/4702726\/tropical-storm-dolly-parton-death-coincidence\/\"><strong>TROPICAL STORM DOLLY NOT NAMED AFTER COUNTRY STAR: \u2018PURELY COINCIDENTAL\u2019<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Vohnn said she considered calling CNN herself, but was still grieving from losing the woman she looked up to so much.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI 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 \u2014 and CNN just picked something not appropriate,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wex-inarticle-ad wex-inarticle-ad-art-dsk-inart-5\">\n<div class=\"wex-ad-wrap wex-ad-art-dsk-inart-5\" style=\"min-height:90px\"><span class=\"wex-ad-label\" hidden>Advertisement<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-3182201-26\" data-wex-ad=\"art-dsk-inart-5\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>CNN mistakenly showed Dolly Parton impersonator&#8217;s photo during her death coverage<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4226,"featured_media":2650621,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/image-1-e1787855623797.png?w=696","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[84776,39469,36349],"class_list":["post-2650620","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-celebrity-impersonation","tag-dolly-parton","tag-news-controversy"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/image-1-e1787855623797.png?w=696","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2650620","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4226"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2650620"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2650620\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2650626,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2650620\/revisions\/2650626"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2650621"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2650620"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2650620"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2650620"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}