Bronwen Lewis, a singer-songwriter from Wales, initially covered Dolly Parton’s songs in Welsh as a personal endeavor. Little did she imagine that this would lead to a collaboration with the renowned queen of country music herself.
About two years ago, Lewis began sharing her Welsh renditions of Parton’s songs online. Her version of “Jolene” gained attention from Jada Star, Parton’s niece and a singer, eventually reaching Dolly Parton, who agreed to join forces for a recording.
Describing the experience as surreal, Lewis expressed her gratitude for the opportunity. 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 following her passing at the age of 80 in August.
Jada Star emphasized the significance of the project and hoped that listeners would resonate with the collaboration as much as they did. Lewis, a devoted fan of country music and particularly of Dolly Parton, emphasized the authenticity and emotional depth in Parton’s music that she aimed to convey in Welsh.
The collaboration between Lewis, Star, and Parton symbolizes a fusion of cultures and languages. Parton’s potential Welsh heritage adds another layer of connection to the project, further deepening its significance.
Star expressed admiration for Lewis’s rendition of “Jolene” and highlighted the mutual respect and appreciation that led to the collaboration. The trio’s joint effort in honoring the Welsh language and culture is seen as a momentous occasion that can help elevate the visibility and appreciation of Welsh heritage on a global scale.
Lewis believes that the universal themes of heartbreak and human connection transcending language barriers are central to the project’s message. Through this collaboration, they aim to showcase the common threads that unite people, regardless of their backgrounds or languages spoken.