Welsh artist Bronwen Lewis, who initially covered Dolly Parton’s songs in her native language, recently had the opportunity to collaborate with the country music icon herself after gaining attention for her rendition of “Jolene.” Lewis, a singer-songwriter from Wales, began sharing her Welsh covers of Parton’s songs online around two years ago.
The Welsh version of “Jolene,” featuring vocals from both Lewis and singer Jada Star, along with some parts sung in Welsh by Dolly Parton, was officially released on major streaming platforms. This collaboration marked one of the last recordings by Parton before her passing in August at the age of 80, making it her second posthumous song release.
Expressing her gratitude for the project, Star highlighted the significance of the collaboration and hoped that listeners would resonate with the heartfelt rendition. Lewis, a lifelong fan of country music and Parton, found the Welsh language to be a perfect match for conveying the authenticity and emotional depth of Parton’s music.
Lewis was deeply moved upon hearing Parton’s vocals in both English and Welsh for the first time, evoking immediate tears not only from herself but also from many listeners. Parton’s Welsh ancestry, believed to be from her mother’s side, added a poignant connection to the collaboration.
Additionally, the singers emphasized the importance of Welsh culture and language, noting the historical challenges faced by the Welsh language and the significance of having a global platform for sharing their music. They hoped that their collaboration would showcase the universal themes of heartbreak and unity, bridging cultural divides through the power of music.