CNN apologizes to Dolly Parton loved one’s for tribute blunder
CNN issued a statement to apologize to anyone whose sentiments were hurt
CNN had apologized to Dolly Parton’s family after accidentally using a photograph of a Las Vegas impersonator while reporting on the country music legend’s death.
Parton died on Tuesday aged 80 following what her representatives described as a “brief battle with cancer,” that garnered a large outpouring of tributes from around the world.
However, during Tuesday evening’s edition of Laura Coates Live, CNN made a rather awkward blunder while covering the breaking news.
Instead of showing the Jolene singer, the network displayed a photograph of professional Dolly impersonator Kelly Vohnn, seemingly believing the image was actually the late star.
Considering Dolly was one of the most instantly recognisable women on the planet, it was quite the mix-up.
CNN has since acknowledged the error and issued an apology to the late musician’s loved ones. “We regret the error and apologize to the Parton family,” a spokesperson told Entertainment Weekly.
Vohnn has now spoken out herself, stressing that she had absolutely nothing to do with the mistake and has never attempted to convince people she is the real Parton.
“I’m relieved that CNN has reached out to Dolly’s family and apologized for their mishap,” she told the publication. “We all loved Dolly dearly and wouldn’t want these mistakes to continue moving forward.”
The Las Vegas performer also posted a video to Instagram after discovering her photograph was being circulated in coverage of Parton’s death.
“I am a Dolly Parton impersonator. The last few days have been devastating to myself and to millions of people around the world,” she began.
“I would never fool people that way. I am an impersonator. People know that they’re buying tickets to an impersonator. And I would never say that I’m Dolly Parton,” Kelly Vohnn explained, mentioning the respect she has for Dolly Parton.
