Bronwen Lewis, a singer-songwriter from Wales, never imagined she would have the opportunity to collaborate with Dolly Parton after starting to cover Parton’s songs in Welsh a couple of years ago. Lewis gained attention with her rendition of “Jolene,” which caught the interest of Parton’s niece, Jada Star, leading to a collaboration with the country music icon. The new Welsh version of “Jolene,” featuring vocals from Parton, was recently released on major streaming platforms. This release marks Parton’s second posthumous song and was one of her final recordings before her passing in August at the age of 80.
Expressing gratitude for the collaboration, Star emphasized the importance of believing in the project and the artists involved. Lewis, a lifelong fan of country music, especially admires Parton for being authentic and true to herself, which she finds resonates well with the Welsh language. The emotional impact of hearing Parton’s vocals, recorded in both English and Welsh, evoked immediate tears, a sentiment shared by many listeners.
Parton, who is believed to have Welsh ancestry on her mother’s side, embraced the opportunity to collaborate on the Welsh rendition of “Jolene.” Star highlighted the mutual respect shown for Parton’s music and cultural backgrounds through the project. The Welsh language, with a rich history dating back to pre-Roman times, has faced challenges over the centuries, but its preservation and promotion through collaborations like this one are significant for Welsh culture.
Lewis and Star, grateful for the global platform the collaboration provides, hope that their music transcends language barriers and connects people through shared emotions. By showcasing the universality of heartbreak and emphasizing our common humanity, they aim to promote understanding and unity across diverse cultures.
The collaboration between Lewis, Star, and Parton signifies a meaningful fusion of musical talent, cultural heritage, and heartfelt storytelling that resonates beyond linguistic boundaries.