Welsh singer-songwriter Bronwen Lewis, who gained recognition for covering Dolly Parton’s songs in Welsh, recently achieved a remarkable milestone by collaborating on a song with the iconic country singer herself.
Lewis, hailing from Wales, began sharing her covers of Parton’s songs online around two years ago. Her rendition of “Jolene” garnered attention from Parton’s niece, singer Jada Star, leading to a collaboration with the country music legend.
The new Welsh version of “Jolene,” featuring vocals in Welsh from Parton, was professionally recorded by Lewis and Star in a studio. Released on major streaming platforms, this track marks Parton’s second posthumous song release and one of her final recordings before her passing at the age of 80 in August.
Expressing her gratitude, Star stated, “I’m so thankful to her that she believed in the project and in Bronwen and myself. I really hope that people feel that when they hear it, and that they love it as much as we do.”
Lewis, a devoted fan of country music and Parton, emphasized the authenticity and emotional depth in Parton’s music, resonating well with the Welsh language. She recalled being moved to tears upon hearing Parton’s vocals in both English and Welsh.
Parton, believed to have Welsh ancestry on her mother’s side, embraced the opportunity to collaborate with Lewis and Star. Star highlighted the mutual respect and admiration shared between the artists, refuting any notion that Parton’s involvement was merely a favor to her niece.
The Welsh language, with a rich history dating back before the Roman Empire, has endured centuries of suppression efforts. Today, approximately 17.8% of the Welsh population speaks the language, reflecting a cultural resilience that Lewis and Star aim to showcase on a global scale through their collaboration with Parton.
Lewis expressed hope that their project would convey the universal nature of emotions like heartbreak and foster understanding and unity across languages and cultures.