Welsh artist Bronwen Lewis, who gained attention for her renditions of Dolly Parton’s songs in Welsh, has now collaborated with the legendary country singer herself. Lewis, a singer-songwriter from Wales, began sharing her Welsh covers of Parton’s songs online approximately two years ago. Her version of “Jolene” captured the interest of Parton’s niece, Jada Star, leading to a joint recording with Parton herself.
The new Welsh rendition of “Jolene,” featuring vocals in Welsh from Parton, was recently released on major streaming platforms. This marks Parton’s second posthumous song release, recorded before her passing in August at the age of 80. Jada Star expressed gratitude for Parton’s belief in the project and the collaboration with Lewis.
Lewis, a lifelong fan of country music and Parton, emphasized the authenticity and emotional depth of Parton’s music, which she felt resonated perfectly with the Welsh language. The recording of “Jolene” in English and Welsh evoked an emotional response, with Lewis recalling immediate tears upon hearing Parton’s vocals.
Parton, believed to have Welsh ancestry on her mother’s side, was impressed by Lewis’s cover of “Jolene,” leading to her enthusiastic participation in the collaboration. Star highlighted the mutual respect for music and heritage that connected the artists, emphasizing the significance of the project beyond familial ties.
The Welsh language, with a long history predating the Roman Empire and surviving suppression efforts, holds a special place in Welsh culture. Presently, around 17.8% of people in Wales speak Welsh, as per the country’s 2021 census. Lewis expressed pride in the global platform provided by the collaboration, hopeful that it would promote Welsh culture and language while showcasing the universal themes of heartbreak and connection across languages.
