The resemblance is uncanny. Too uncanny, in this instance.
A photo of Kelly Vohnn, a popular Las Vegas-based Dolly Parton tribute artist, was shown by CNN’s “Laura Coates Live” on Tuesday night during the network’s ongoing report of Parton’s death. Parton died Tuesday morning after a brief bout with cancer.
“My phone started blowing up,” Vohnn said in a phone chat Thursday. “I couldn’t believe it. I just didn’t want the family to think I am trying to fool anyone.”
She went on to say, “Whenever someone comes to see my show I make sure they know I’m an impersonator. I make it clear in the marketing of all my shows that it’s me, performing as Dolly.”
Vohnn says she didn’t authorize or provide the photo CNN used in its broadcast. She posted an explanation of the episode on her Instagram page Thursday morning.
The cable network quickly issued an apology: “We regret the error and apologize to the Parton family.”
Vohnn says offers to perform her Parton show became “extremely busy” as news of Parton’s death spread around the world. Her next appearance is at Italian American Club on Sept. 24, with Elvis tribute artist Harry Shahoian and Ed Sullivan impressionist George Trullinger.
Since Tuesday, Vohnn has booked a new show in Blue Note Hawaii at Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort on Sept. 14. She’s finalizing details on a show at Elk Lounge in Waikiki the following night.
Over the years Vohnn has also portrayed Parton at in “Vegas Gone Country” at V Theater at Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood, and in shows at Italian American Club, Notoriety Live at Neonopolis and The Composers Room at Commercial Center. She also played Parton in the “Dealertainers” roster at Imperial Palace in the mid-2000s.
The veteran artist has a wide range of characters, paying tribute to Faith Hill, Shania Twain, Reba McEntire and Patsy Cline. She was drawn to the tribute culture during her college years, where she studied with Tony Mergel, who founded the music program at Huber College in Toronto.
Vohnn developed her many characters, with Parton leading the lineup. The powerhouse vocalist auditioned for the “Keith Burton Show,” a regional dinner theater vehicle featuring impressionists.
Vohnn never met Parton. She was distressed to see unreachable prices and immediate sell-outs of Parton’s original half-dozen dates at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace in December.
Vohnn began to cry when sharing her thoughts of future Parton performances.
“She represented hope in this chaotic world,” Vohnn said, her voice halting. “I am carrying the torch and sending love to her fans.”
John Katsilometes’ column runs daily in the A section. Contact him at [email protected]. Follow @johnnykats on X, @JohnnyKats1 on Instagram.