Welsh singer-songwriter Bronwen Lewis, who gained attention for covering Dolly Parton’s songs in Welsh, recently collaborated with the country music icon on a recording. Lewis’ rendition of “Jolene” initially caught the interest of Parton’s niece, Jada Star, leading to the collaboration. The new Welsh version of “Jolene,” featuring vocals from Parton in both English and Welsh, was released as Parton’s second posthumous song, recorded shortly before her passing in August at the age of 80.
Expressing gratitude for the opportunity, Star shared her admiration for Lewis and the project. Lewis, a devoted fan of country music and Parton, found the collaboration with Parton to be a surreal experience. The emotional impact of hearing Parton’s vocals in Welsh was profound, evoking immediate tears from Lewis and listeners upon the track’s release.
Parton’s Welsh ancestry on her mother’s side adds a personal touch to the collaboration. The project aims to showcase the Welsh language and culture on a global scale, with Lewis emphasizing the universality of heartbreak across languages. The collaboration signifies a significant moment for Welsh culture and language, highlighting the power of music to unite people regardless of differences.
The Welsh language, with a rich history dating back centuries, has faced challenges such as bans and suppression in the past. Despite these obstacles, about 17.8% of the Welsh population speaks Welsh today, as indicated by the country’s 2021 census. Lewis and Star hope that their collaboration with Parton will resonate with listeners, emphasizing the shared human experience that transcends language barriers.