Welsh singer-songwriter Bronwen Lewis, who gained fame for her renditions of Dolly Parton’s songs in Welsh, recently collaborated with the country music icon herself on a new recording. Lewis, a lifelong fan of Parton, began covering her songs online around two years ago. Parton’s niece, Jada Star, noticed Lewis’s version of “Jolene” and introduced her to the country legend, leading to their joint recording.
The new Welsh rendition of “Jolene,” featuring vocals from Parton in both English and Welsh, was released on major streaming platforms. This release marks one of Parton’s posthumous songs, recorded before her passing in August at the age of 80. Star expressed gratitude for Parton’s belief in the project and hoped listeners would appreciate the collaboration.
The collaboration between Lewis, Star, and Parton signifies a significant moment for Welsh culture and language. The Welsh language, with a rich history predating the Roman Empire, has faced suppression efforts over the centuries. Today, around 17.8% of people in Wales speak Welsh, according to the country’s 2021 census.
Lewis emphasized the universal emotion of heartbreak transcending language barriers and hoped the collaboration would showcase the similarities between people from different backgrounds. The project, supported by Parton and her family, is seen as a positive step in promoting Welsh culture globally.