CNN has apologized to Dolly Parton’s family and a Las Vegas tribute artist after mistakenly airing a photo of an impersonator during coverage of the country icon's death this week. The mix-up came amid dozens of images spanning Parton's decades-long career, an image of Kelly Vohnn was worked into a montage on Laura Coates Live, roughly 12 hours after her death was confirmed.

The photo, according to Vohnn, was taken at a red carpet screening of the Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson film Song Sung Blue in Las Vegas in December. The tribute artist, 58, spoke with The New York Post at length about the matter. For related coverage, explore our detailed analysis on Technology and Digital Systems.

Context and Historical Background

’I started getting all these texts in from friends saying that I was on CNN,’ Vohnn told the paper. ‘I couldn’t believe it.’

Vohnn didn’t hold back in assessing the error. ’Somebody at CNN really messed up and didn’t do their research,’ she shared. ’I 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 — and CNN just picked something not appropriate.’

This mix-up highlights the importance of fact-checking and verifying sources in journalism. As a result, Vohnn emphasized the need for reporters to do better diligence when broadcasting to prevent fake news.

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Future Impact and Next Steps

These photos were taken during a red carpet event in Las Vegas for the opening of the movie Song Sung Blue where multiple impersonators attended.

My goal is to carry on her giving, loving legacy in the world,” she wrote, adding, “We need reporters to do better due diligence when broadcasting to prevent fake news.”

CNN has apologized to Dolly Parton ‘s family and to a Las Vegas tribute artist after mistakenly airing a photo of the impersonator during coverage of the country icon’s death this week .

The mix-up came amid the network’s round-the-clock coverage following Parton’s death from a brief battle with cancer on Tuesday. Amid dozens of images spanning her decades-long career, an image of tribute artist Kelly Vohnn was worked into a montage on Laura Coates Live , roughly 12 hours after her death was confirmed.