CNN Apologizes After Airing Dolly Parton Impersonator Photo During Segment

CNN issued an apology after the network inadvertently broadcast a photograph of a Dolly Parton impersonator during its programming focused on the esteemed American musical icon.

Mistaken Identity on Live Broadcast

During a recent broadcast of "Laura Coates Live," a series of images was displayed on screen while CNN correspondent Shimon Prokupecz delivered a live report from Nashville.

Among these visuals, however, was a picture of Kelly Vohnn, a performer known for her Dolly Parton tribute act. The image showed Vohnn at a screening held last year for "Song Sung Blue," a documentary focused on the Neil Diamond tribute ensemble Lightning & Thunder, featuring actors Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson.

Impersonator's Reaction to Unexpected Airtime

Vohnn later recounted to a New York-based publication how her phone started receiving numerous messages and calls after her likeness was shown on the national news channel, describing the situation as "weird."

"I started receiving all these texts from friends telling me I was on CNN, and I simply couldn't believe it," the Canadian-born impersonator explained to the publication. "I genuinely felt apologetic and sorry for Dolly herself... and it seemed CNN had just selected something that wasn't suitable."

Vohnn concluded, "It was quite embarrassing, to be honest."