Welsh singer-songwriter Bronwen Lewis, who gained popularity by covering Dolly Parton’s songs in Welsh, recently achieved a remarkable milestone by collaborating with the iconic country singer herself. Lewis initially began sharing her renditions of Parton’s tracks online around two years ago. Her version of “Jolene” attracted the attention of Jada Star, Parton’s niece, leading to a joint recording project that also featured vocals from Parton in both English and Welsh.
The newly released Welsh cover of “Jolene” marks one of Dolly Parton’s posthumous song releases and is among her final recordings before she passed away in August at the age of 80. The collaboration was a significant moment for Lewis, who expressed gratitude for Parton’s belief in the project. Star emphasized the emotional resonance of the track, hoping that listeners would appreciate it as much as they do.
Lewis, a devoted fan of country music and Parton, found a deep connection between the authenticity of Parton’s music and the Welsh language. The collaboration stirred immediate emotions, with Lewis recalling how Parton’s vocals in Welsh evoked tears. Parton’s Welsh heritage on her mother’s side added a personal touch to the collaboration.
Jada Star praised Lewis’s rendition of “Jolene,” which captivated Parton’s family and led to the decision to involve her in a studio recording. Parton readily agreed to participate, demonstrating her support for the project. Lewis was overwhelmed by the opportunity to collaborate with a music icon like Dolly Parton, recognizing the uniqueness of the experience.
The Welsh language, with a rich history predating the Roman Empire, has faced challenges over the centuries, including bans and suppression efforts. Despite these obstacles, a significant percentage of people in Wales still speak Welsh today. Lewis and Star expressed pride in their language and culture, believing that the collaboration with Parton would showcase Welsh heritage on a global scale.
The collaboration not only highlights the universal emotions conveyed through music but also promotes unity and understanding across languages and cultures. Lewis and Star hope that the project will resonate with audiences, emphasizing the shared human experiences that transcend linguistic differences.