Welsh singer Bronwen Lewis embarked on a journey she never imagined would lead to a collaboration with country music icon Dolly Parton when she began covering Parton’s songs in Welsh a couple of years ago. Lewis gained recognition after sharing her rendition of “Jolene,” which caught the attention of Parton’s niece, Jada Star, ultimately leading to a joint recording with Parton.
The fresh Welsh rendition of “Jolene,” featuring vocals from Parton, was recently released on major streaming platforms. This marks Parton’s second posthumous song release, recorded shortly before her passing in August at the age of 80. Star expressed gratitude for Parton’s belief in the project and their collaboration, hoping that listeners will resonate with the music.
Lewis, a devoted fan of country music and Parton, highlighted the authenticity and emotional depth of Parton’s music, which she felt aligned perfectly with the Welsh language. The impact of hearing Parton’s vocals in both English and Welsh evoked an emotional response from Lewis and listeners alike.
Parton, rumored to have Welsh heritage on her mother’s side, readily agreed to participate in the collaboration upon Star and Lewis’s invitation. The opportunity left both Star and Lewis overwhelmed with gratitude for the chance to work with the legendary artist.
Star rejected the notion that Parton’s involvement was merely a favor, emphasizing the mutual respect for music and cultural heritage that drove the collaboration. The project not only celebrates Welsh language and culture but also bridges emotional connections across languages and cultures.
The Welsh language, with a rich history predating the Roman Empire, has faced suppression efforts over the centuries. Despite this, around 17.8% of the Welsh population speaks Welsh today, according to the 2021 census. Lewis emphasized the pride in their language and culture, expressing hope that the collaboration, endorsed by Dolly and her family, will promote Welsh culture globally and foster understanding and empathy across diverse communities.