Welsh musician Bronwen Lewis, initially just a fan covering Dolly Parton’s songs in Welsh, never imagined she’d collaborate with the country music icon herself. Lewis began sharing her renditions of Parton’s tracks online two years ago. Her version of “Jolene” gained attention from Parton’s niece, Jada Star, leading to a joint recording project with the legendary singer.
Describing the experience as surreal, Lewis expressed gratitude for Parton’s support and involvement in the project. The new Welsh rendition of “Jolene,” featuring vocals in both Welsh and English by Parton, was recently released on major streaming platforms. It marks Parton’s second posthumous song release, recorded shortly before her passing in August at the age of 80.
Star, impressed by Lewis’s cover of “Jolene,” reached out to collaborate on a studio recording, which subsequently included Parton. The decision to involve Parton was met with immediate approval from the country music icon, who appreciated the unique tribute to her work. Lewis, a lifelong country music enthusiast, was deeply moved upon hearing Parton’s vocals in both languages.
Parton’s Welsh heritage on her mother’s side adds an extra layer of significance to the collaboration. The Welsh language, with a rich history predating the Roman Empire, has faced suppression efforts over the centuries. Today, approximately 17.8% of people in Wales speak Welsh, according to the country’s 2021 census.
Lewis and Star, proud of their language and culture, believe that their collaboration with Parton will amplify Welsh traditions on a global scale. They hope that the emotional depth of the music transcends language barriers, emphasizing the universal themes of heartbreak and human connection across different cultures.
The collaboration between Lewis, Star, and Parton symbolizes a harmonious blend of musical talent and cultural heritage, showcasing the power of music to unite people from diverse backgrounds.