Welsh musician Bronwen Lewis had never imagined that her covers of Dolly Parton’s songs would lead to a collaboration with the country music icon herself. Lewis, a singer-songwriter from Wales, began covering Parton’s songs and sharing them online around two years ago. Her rendition of “Jolene” caught the attention of Parton’s niece, Jada Star, which eventually led to a collaboration with Parton on a new Welsh version of the song.

The new Welsh rendition of “Jolene” was recorded in the studio by Lewis and Star, featuring vocals, including some in Welsh, from Parton. This release marks Parton’s second posthumous song and was among her final recordings before her passing in August at the age of 80.

Expressing her gratitude, Star mentioned that she and Lewis hoped people would embrace the collaboration as much as they did. Lewis, a lifelong fan of country music and Parton in particular, explained that the authenticity and emotional depth of Parton’s music resonated well with the Welsh language.

Parton, believed to have Welsh ancestry on her mother’s side, agreed to participate in the collaboration, much to the excitement of Lewis and Star. The significance of the Welsh language, known for its resilience despite historical suppression, was highlighted by Lewis, who emphasized the importance of this collaboration in promoting Welsh culture and language on a global scale. Lewis hoped that the emotional connection conveyed through music transcends language barriers, emphasizing the universal aspects of heartbreak and human connection.