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    Kelly Vohnn

    Kelly Vohnn

    Canada flagCanada
    Celebrity

    Entertainer•Tribute Artist•Singer•Author•Poker Player

    Also known as: Kelly Vohnn Haggerty

    Birthday

    May 29, 1968

    Birth Sign

    Gemini

    Birthplace

    Toronto, Ontario, Canada

    Age

    58 years old

    Height

    5 ft 4 in (163 cm)

    About

    Kelly Vohnn is a Canadian-born Las Vegas entertainer best known as the world's premier Dolly Parton tribute artist. Born Kelly Vohnn Haggerty in Toronto, she has built a three-decade career performing as multiple country and pop icons including Reba McEntire, Marilyn Monroe, Shania Twain, and Patsy Cline. Her uncanny resemblance to the late country legend recently thrust her into global headlines when a major news network mistakenly used her photo while reporting on Dolly Parton's passing.

    As of 2026, Vohnn remains one of the most sought-after tribute acts in Nevada. She has performed for crowds exceeding 100,000 people in stadium settings and maintains a robust schedule of corporate hosting and live shows. Beyond the stage, she works as a poker player and author, though her public identity is dominated by her high-energy impersonations that have earned her features on CNN, FOX, and the New York Post.

    Early Life & Background

    Kelly Vohnn Haggerty entered the world on May 29, 1968, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Raised alongside her siblings Sean and Tracy, she grew up in a household where performance was not just a hobby but a path. Her parents Nick and Fran supported her early artistic inclinations, which led her to pursue formal voice training at an unspecified institution in her hometown. This period laid the groundwork for a professional life that would eventually stretch far beyond the borders of Canada.

    Before becoming a household name in the Las Vegas circuit, Vohnn navigated the gritty reality of the entertainment industry as a struggling artist. She worked various jobs while honing her craft as a lead female singer and host. In February 1996, she took a significant step toward business ownership by founding her own company and serving as its Chief Executive Officer. During these years, she described herself publicly as both a "Starving Artist" and someone who had found success in other ventures. It was during this era of transition that she began experimenting with character work, setting the stage for her eventual pivot to full-time impersonation artistry.

    The move west to Las Vegas marked the definitive turning point in her trajectory. The city's demand for high-quality tribute acts provided the perfect environment for her skills to flourish. She adopted the persona of Dolly Parton, a role that required not just vocal mimicry but a complete physical transformation. This decision transformed her from a local singer into a specialized performer capable of commanding massive stages and drawing international attention.

    Career Growth

    Vohnn's breakthrough arrived when she fully committed to the world of tribute artistry in Las Vegas. By 2010, her reputation had grown so strong that she was named Chairman of the Year, a title she repeated in 2011, signaling her leadership standing within entertainment organizations. Her versatility allowed her to expand beyond a single character; she mastered the voices and styles of five distinct icons: Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Marilyn Monroe, Shania Twain, and Patsy Cline.

    In 2014, she solidified her status as a top-tier host and lead female singer, taking on roles that required commanding large audiences. Her ability to handle scale was proven when she sang in front of crowds of up to 100,000 people at outdoor concerts and stadium events. These performances cemented her reputation as a "World Famous" entertainer capable of delivering professional-grade shows regardless of venue size.

    The momentum continued through the 2020s. In 2023, she won the Silver State Award for Best Entertainer, a recognition that highlighted her dominance in the Nevada entertainment circuit. That same year, she expanded her portfolio into film and television with credits in Velvet and Vengeance and Key Revenge. Her media presence surged as well, leading to features on major networks like CNN and FOX. The defining moment of her modern career occurred in August 2026 when a CNN report on Dolly Parton's death accidentally displayed her photograph, propelling her story onto the front pages of newspapers worldwide.

    Career Timeline

    1968Born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
    1996Founded own company and served as CEO
    2010Named Chairman of the Year
    2011Named Chairman of the Year again
    2014Began role as Host and Lead Female Singer
    2023Won Silver State Award for Best Entertainer
    2023Featured on CNN, FOX, and NY Post as world-famous tribute artist
    2026Involved in CNN photo error during Dolly Parton death report
    2026Performed at Blue Note Hawaiʻi shortly after the CNN incident

    Public Image & Style

    Vohnn projects an image of high-energy professionalism and deep respect for the legends she portrays. Her signature style involves the blonde teased hair, rhinestone-encrusted outfits, and bold makeup associated with Dolly Parton, though she adapts her look seamlessly for other characters like Marilyn Monroe. Media coverage now views her with a mix of admiration for her talent and sympathy following the CNN incident. She presents herself as a dedicated artist who takes her craft seriously, emphasizing longevity and authenticity in every performance.

    Fame & Fandom (iFAMOUS Rankings)

    iFANN research places Kelly Vohnn outside the current published Top 1,000 Global Fame Rankings as of the August 2026 data collection, though her visibility spiked dramatically following the CNN incident. The event turned a regional Las Vegas act into a subject of international news coverage, creating a unique fame profile driven by viral media rather than traditional chart success. Her audience consists primarily of die-hard Dolly Parton fans who appreciate the accuracy of her tribute, along with general Las Vegas tourists seeking authentic entertainment experiences.

    There is no official fandom name attached solely to Vohnn, but she commands a loyal following among those who attend her shows. Fans often engage with her content on Instagram and Facebook, sharing photos from her performances and discussing her versatility across different personas. The community around her work is organic, driven by word-of-mouth recommendations and the shared experience of seeing a tribute artist who can convincingly channel multiple icons. No organized fan campaigns or charity drives specifically named after her have been documented, but her supporters actively promote her upcoming show dates.

    Interesting Facts and Legends

    Beyond the stage, Kelly Vohnn is a skilled poker player who often incorporates card games into her public bio. She is also an author, having written books that remain somewhat mysterious to the general public due to their limited distribution. One of her most famous claims is singing for 100,000 people, a feat she cites to demonstrate her comfort with massive venues. Fans often share stories about how completely she embodies her characters, noting that even close friends sometimes fail to recognize her until she speaks. The CNN mix-up in 2026 became a legendary moment in her career, ironically making her more famous globally than she had been prior to the error.

    Notable Quotes

    “I am a tribute artist, not the icon.”
    “No project is too big or too small.”
    “I have sung in front of 100,000 people.”

    Family & Personal Life

    Kelly Vohnn was born to parents Nick and Fran and raised with two siblings, Sean and Tracy. While she keeps her romantic life private, her family background in Toronto shaped her early interest in the arts. There are no public records indicating she has children or a spouse, and she appears to focus her personal energy entirely on her career. She currently resides in Las Vegas, where she manages her various business ventures and performance schedules.

    Notable Connections

    Dolly Parton, Nick Haggerty, Fran Haggerty, Sean Haggerty, Tracy Haggerty

    Relationships & Dating History

    As of 2026:Single

    Public records regarding Kelly Vohnn's romantic history are notably sparse compared to many other celebrities. Unlike peers who maintain extensive public dating logs, Vohnn keeps her personal life relatively private. There are no widely reported marriages, engagements, or high-profile flings documented in credible sources. The search results do not mention a spouse or children, suggesting she may be single or chooses not to disclose family details. As of 2026, there is no confirmed information indicating she is currently married, engaged, or in a relationship; she is generally reported as focusing on her career. No official statements from Vohnn confirm any past relationships, and tabloid speculation is absent from the provided data.

    Salary, Net Worth In 2026

    $750,000

    iFANN Editorial Team estimate

    iFANN Editorial Team estimates Kelly Vohnn's net worth at approximately $750,000 based on her long-standing career as a high-demand Las Vegas performer and business owner. Her income streams are diverse, deriving primarily from live tribute performances which command premium fees for stadium and corporate events. Additional revenue comes from her work as a poker player, author, and producer.

    Vohnn's financial stability is bolstered by her role as a CEO of her own company, established in 1996. While specific details of her real estate holdings or investment portfolios remain private, her consistent booking history and award-winning status suggest a steady accumulation of wealth over the last decade. The recent media attention surrounding the CNN incident likely increased her booking rates, further contributing to her current financial standing.

    Awards Won (3)

    Kelly Vohnn has received significant recognition in the Nevada entertainment sector, most notably winning the Silver State Award for Best Entertainer in 2023. Her leadership within the industry was acknowledged earlier when she was named Chairman of the Year in both 2010 and 2011. These honors reflect her standing as a top-tier performer and organizer in the Las Vegas circuit.

    2023 · Best Entertainer

    Live Performance

    Won

    2011 · Industry Leadership

    N/A

    Won

    2010 · Industry Leadership

    N/A

    Won
    View all 3 awards, honours and achievements

    Known For

    Dolly Parton Tribute

    2026 · Tribute Artist

    Velvet and Vengeance

    2023 · Actor

    Key Revenge

    2023 · Actor

    Keywords

    Kelly VohnnDolly Parton TributeLas Vegas EntertainerImpersonatorSilver State Award Winner

    Sources

    Quick Facts

    Profession
    Entertainer, Tribute Artist, Singer, Author, Poker Player
    Birth Date
    May 29, 1968
    Birth Place
    Toronto, Ontario, Canada
    Notable Achievement
    Performed for crowds of 100,000+ people

    Personal Details

    Full Name
    Kelly Vohnn Haggerty
    Height
    5 ft 4 in (163 cm)
    Children
    Education
    Voice studies at an unspecified institution in Toronto

    Filmography

    2

    Total

    2

    Film

    0

    TV

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Who is Kelly Vohnn?
    Kelly Vohnn is a Las Vegas-based entertainer and the world's leading Dolly Parton tribute artist, known for impersonating multiple country and pop icons like Reba McEntire and Marilyn Monroe.
    Is Kelly Vohnn related to Dolly Parton?
    No, Kelly Vohnn is not related to Dolly Parton; she is a professional impersonator who gained fame for her uncanny resemblance to the country legend.
    What happened with CNN and Kelly Vohnn in 2026?
    In August 2026, CNN accidentally aired a photo of Vohnn during a report on Dolly Parton's death, leading to a public apology and widespread media coverage.
    How old is Kelly Vohnn?
    Born on May 29, 1968, Kelly Vohnn is 58 years old as of 2026.
    Does Kelly Vohnn have any children?
    Public records do not indicate that Kelly Vohnn has any children; she keeps her family life private and focuses on her career.

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