American news channel CNN has issued a public apology to the family of country music star Dolly Parton after broadcasting a photograph of an impersonator during coverage of her death.
The error occurred during a broadcast of the news program Laura Coates Live, when an image of Las Vegas tribute artist Kelly Vohnn was displayed on screen instead of a photograph of the singer.
After identifying the mistake, CNN publicly acknowledged the mix-up and extended its apologies to the late artist's relatives. A spokesperson for the television network said in a statement sent to Deadline that CNN regretted the error and offered its apologies to the Parton family.
The photograph used by the network had been taken last year at the movie premiere of Song Sung Blue, an event to which several celebrity impersonators were invited. Vohnn had attended the event characterized as Dolly Parton, and the photograph was later incorrectly used by several media outlets.
Call for photo verification
Following the broadcast, Vohnn posted a video on her social media accounts to clarify the situation and demand greater verification from media outlets before publishing or broadcasting images related to the singer.
Vohnn said in the video that the past few days had been devastating for her and for millions of people around the world, but added that she wanted to address a very important matter.
She said she had been informed that news organisations were once again using her photograph and presenting her as Dolly Parton. Vohnn stressed that she had never given permission for anyone to use her image in that way, stating that she would never deceive the public.
The performer explained that people who purchase tickets to her shows in Las Vegas know they are coming to see an impersonator, adding that she would never claim to be Parton herself.
Career and legacy of Dolly Parton
The confusion surrounding the photograph drew significant attention as news networks covered the passing of one of the most recognizable figures in American popular culture. Parton died on Tuesday in Nashville, Tennessee, at the age of 80.
Her family later announced that the singer had passed away following a brief illness linked to cancer. Parton had also experienced various other health issues over the course of the past year.
Parton leaves behind a career in music, film, and television that spanned more than six decades. Throughout her career, she won 11 Grammy Awards and recorded international classic songs such as Jolene, while also starring in popular films including 9 to 5.
The mistake by CNN adds to the extensive media coverage, tributes, and retrospectives published following her death, forcing the network to issue a public rectification and apology to both viewers and Parton's family.
