Welsh singer-songwriter Bronwen Lewis had never imagined that her cover renditions of Dolly Parton’s songs would lead to a collaboration with the iconic country music legend herself. Lewis, hailing from Wales, began sharing her interpretations of Parton’s tracks online approximately two years ago. Her rendition of “Jolene” gained attention from Parton’s niece, Jada Star, which eventually led to a joint recording with the country music icon.
Describing the experience as a surreal moment, Lewis expressed gratitude for Parton’s belief in the project. The new Welsh version of “Jolene,” which includes vocals from Parton in both English and Welsh, was recently released on major streaming platforms. This marks Parton’s second posthumous song release and is among her final recordings before her passing in August at the age of 80.
Star, reflecting on the collaboration, emphasized the respect and admiration they had for Lewis’s talent and the significance of honoring Parton’s music. Parton’s Welsh ancestry on her mother’s side further ties the project to her heritage.
The Welsh language, with a rich history predating the Roman Empire, faced suppression efforts for centuries until the Welsh Language Act of 1967. Presently, about 17.8% of the Welsh population speaks the language, according to the country’s 2021 census. Lewis and Star expressed pride in showcasing their language and culture on a global platform, highlighting the universal themes of heartbreak and human connection transcending language barriers.
