Welsh musician Bronwen Lewis never imagined that her covers of Dolly Parton’s songs would lead to a collaboration with the renowned country singer herself. Lewis, hailing from Wales, began sharing her renditions of Parton’s tracks online around two years ago. One of her performances, a version of “Jolene,” captured the attention of Parton’s niece, Jada Star, ultimately leading to a joint recording with the country music icon.
Describing the experience as surreal, Lewis expressed her gratitude for Parton’s belief in the project, along with Star’s involvement. The newly released Welsh rendition of “Jolene,” featuring vocals from Parton in both English and Welsh, marks the country legend’s second posthumous song release and one of her final recordings before her passing in August at the age of 80.
Star praised Lewis’s talent and the emotional impact of their collaboration. Lewis, a lifelong fan of country music, emphasized the authenticity and universality of Parton’s music, noting how it resonates with the Welsh language. Parton, who is said to have Welsh ancestry on her mother’s side, readily agreed to participate in the recording, much to the delight of Lewis and Star.
Reflecting on the significance of the collaboration, Lewis highlighted the importance of preserving the Welsh language, a cultural treasure with a rich history of resilience against past suppression efforts. With the release of their version of “Jolene,” Lewis and Star hope to showcase the universal themes of heartbreak and unity, bridging language barriers and fostering greater understanding among diverse communities.