Cable news network CNN aired a photo of someone who was not legendary music star Dolly Parton during its coverage of her death, and was forced to apologize to her family afterward.
The network aired 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.
The image aired during Laura Coates Live. As host Laura Coates and a reporter in Nashville talked about Parton’s legacy, the photo of Vohnn flashed on the screen.
“We regret the error and apologize to the Parton family,” CNN told the New York Post in a statement.
Parton’s nephew announced her death on social media Tuesday after a “brief battle with cancer.”
In an interview with the New York Post, Vohnn said friends started texting her that she was on CNN.
“I was already heartbroken at losing Dolly because of how much she has given to me as a woman and an artist,” Vohnn said.
“But then to see these images of me on screen was just weird,” she added.
Vohnn’s website featured a section called “DOLLY — THE LIVING LEGEND,” where Vohnn showcased her work in a video, dancing and singing on stage.
“I’m so excited to present to you my new Dolly show called ‘DOLLY — The Living Legend’ honoring this Diva’s many looks and music throughout the years. It’s a high energy and fun show for the whole family,” the site says.
Vohnn said the image was “embarrassing” for CNN.
“Somebody at CNN really messed up and didn’t do their research,” she said.
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Vohnn said she considered calling CNN herself, but was still grieving from losing the woman she looked up to so much.
“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,” she said.