CNN sorry for using impersonator photo in Dolly Parton death coverage

Did you hear the one about Charlie Chaplin coming third in a Charlie Chaplin lookalike contest?

This is worse than that.

CNN has apologised to Dolly Parton’s family after mistakenly using a photograph of Las Vegas tribute performer Kelly Vohnn while reporting the country music legend’s death.

Vohnn has now addressed the mix-up herself, saying she never gave permission for her image to be used to identify her as Parton and would never try to pass herself off as the singer.

“The last few days have been devastating to myself and to millions of people around the world, but I do want to clear the air on a very, very important subject,” Vohnn said.

“It has been brought to my attention that news outlets are using my likeness once again and saying that I am Dolly Parton. I want to say in no way, shape, or form have I ever given permission to anyone just to allow them to use my image and say that I am Dolly Parton.”

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Kelly Vohnn Haggerty (@kellyvohnn)

CNN airs wrong image

CNN broadcast an image of the 58-year-old performer during Laura Coates Live on Tuesday, as the network reported on Parton’s death at the age of 80.

The image was aired about 12 hours after Parton’s family announced her death.

Parton died on Tuesday following a battle with cancer, prompting extensive coverage and tributes across US and international media.

Vohnn, a singer and longtime tribute performer who has portrayed Parton during her career, said the CNN incident was not the first time a news outlet had incorrectly used her photograph.

“The first time it happened was my good friend, she's a DJ on the East Coast from Kiki Classic Rock Radio, messaged me first thing one morning when Dolly announced cancelling her second set of residencies here in Las Vegas. And this was the news outlet. And she said, Kelly, that's you. And I said, yeah, it is me.”

‘I am in no way a part of this’

CNN used the photograph in December 2025, when Vohnn appeared on the red carpet at a Las Vegas screening of Song Sung Blue, starring Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman.

Vohnn said she did not own the photographs and had not authorised their use.

“The second time happened with CNN using my image to let the world know that Dolly had passed away. I don't own these images. They are of me, but I never gave anyone permission to use them. I would never disrespect Dolly, her family, or her loved ones this way. So please know that I am in no way a part of this.”

CNN subsequently acknowledged the error and apologised to Parton’s family.

The mistake came amid widespread coverage of Parton’s death, with media outlets around the world reflecting on the singer’s career, philanthropy and influence.