CNN has issued an apology after mistakenly airing a photo of a Dolly Parton impersonator during its coverage of the country music legend's death. Parton died Tuesday at age 80 after a brief battle with cancer, prompting tributes from around the world.
During Tuesday's episode of "Laura Coates Live," a montage of photos appeared onscreen as correspondent Shimon Prokupecz reported live from Nashville. Among the images was a picture of tribute artist Kelly Vohnn, who was seen attending a screening last year of "Song Sung Blue," a film about a Neil Diamond tribute band starring Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson.
"We regret the error and apologize to the Parton family," a CNN spokesperson told Fox News Digital.
Vohnn, a Canadian-born impersonator based in Las Vegas, told the New York Post that her phone began lighting up after the image aired, calling the experience "weird." She said she felt sorry for Parton and embarrassed by the mix-up.
"I started getting all these texts in from friends saying that I was on CNN, and I couldn't believe it," Vohnn said. "I felt so sorry and apologetic for Dolly... and CNN just picked something not appropriate. It was quite embarrassing, to be honest."
Parton's death marked the end of a career that spanned more than six decades. Born in rural Tennessee, she rose from poverty in the Smoky Mountains to become one of the most recognizable figures in country music and American popular culture. Her hits include "Jolene," "9 to 5," and "I Will Always Love You," and she built a business empire that extended into film, television, and theme parks.
The network's error drew attention on social media, with viewers noting the distinction between Parton and the impersonator. CNN did not provide additional details about how the mistake occurred or whether internal procedures would be reviewed.
Vohnn, who has performed as Parton in Las Vegas and other venues, said she never expected to appear in news coverage of the singer's death. She expressed sympathy for Parton's family and fans mourning the loss.
Parton was widely praised not only for her music but also for her philanthropy, including her Imagination Library program, which has donated millions of books to children. Her death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fellow musicians, political figures, and fans worldwide.