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CNN apologizes after mistake regarding Dolly Parton’s death with impersonator image

CNN has apologized to Dolly Parton’s family for using a photo of an impersonator instead of the actual singer during reporting on her death.

28 August 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Archive photo: CNN apologizes after mistake regarding Dolly Parton’s death with impersonator image — Archive photoPhoto: Gustave Van de Woestijne · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain

Dolly Parton, one of the most recognizable artists in the world, recently passed away. In its coverage of her death, the news channel CNN made a significant error by using an image of a Parton impersonator instead of a photo of the singer herself.

This blunder has led to apologies from CNN to Dolly Parton’s family. The network acknowledges that using the wrong image was very inappropriate and that it affected the family's emotions.

According to a statement from CNN, the mistake was caused by a misunderstanding among the editorial teams responsible for the visual presentation of the news. The news channel has since announced measures to prevent similar errors in the future.

The impersonator featured in the photo has also responded to the situation, expressing disbelief that her image was used in such a context. This underscores the impact of the error not only on Parton’s family but also on the impersonator involved.

The incident has sparked considerable comment on social media and in the press regarding the responsibilities of news outlets when reporting on the deaths of celebrities. This case has raised questions about quality control within the media.

CNN has promised to take the necessary steps to improve the accuracy of their reporting and to take the experiences of the parties involved more seriously. The extent of the mistake and the reactions to it continue to be a topic of discussion.

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