Welsh singer-songwriter Bronwen Lewis began covering Dolly Parton’s songs in her native language, never imagining she would eventually collaborate with the country music icon herself. Lewis gained attention for her rendition of “Jolene,” which caught the interest of Parton’s niece, Jada Star, leading to a joint recording project. This new Welsh version of “Jolene” features vocals from Parton in both English and Welsh and marks one of her posthumous releases before her passing in August at the age of 80.
Expressing gratitude for the opportunity, Star and Lewis emphasized the significance of honoring Parton’s music and Welsh heritage through their collaboration. The Welsh language, with a rich history dating back to pre-Roman times, has survived attempts to suppress it, with about 17.8% of people in Wales speaking Welsh today according to the 2021 census. Lewis and Star hope their project will not only showcase the beauty of the Welsh language but also convey the universal emotions of heartbreak and connection across different cultures.