Welsh artist Bronwen Lewis, initially covering Dolly Parton’s tunes in her native language, was pleasantly surprised when the country music icon agreed to collaborate on a recording. Lewis began sharing her renditions of Parton’s songs online about two years ago, with her version of “Jolene” drawing the attention of Parton’s niece, Jada Star, leading to the eventual collaboration.
Describing the collaboration as a surreal experience, Lewis expressed gratitude for Parton’s belief in the project. The new Welsh rendition of “Jolene,” featuring vocals from Parton in both English and Welsh, was recently released on major streaming platforms. This marks Parton’s second posthumous song release, recorded before her passing at the age of 80.
Both Lewis and Star, thrilled by the opportunity, praised Parton’s involvement and expressed hope that listeners would appreciate the track as much as they do. Lewis, a longtime country music enthusiast, found Parton’s authenticity and message resonated well with the Welsh language.
Acknowledging the historical significance of the Welsh language and its resilience, Lewis emphasized the pride felt by the Welsh community in sharing their culture globally through music. The collaboration highlights the universality of emotions, transcending language barriers and fostering understanding among diverse communities.
