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Dolly Parton's Posthumous Welsh-Language Version of “Jolene” Set for Release
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New Release Details
A re-imagined version of Dolly Parton’s classic “Jolene” will be issued as a single on 9 October. The track features verses sung in Welsh and was recorded before Parton’s death on 25 August. It represents the second posthumous release from the late country icon, who traced part of her ancestry to Wales.
Collaboration and Creative Process
The recording brings together Welsh singer-songwriter Bronwen Lewis and Parton’s niece, Jada Star. In a teaser video posted to social media, Lewis and Star described how the project emerged after Lewis, a native of Neath, posted a Welsh rendition of “Jolene” that went viral. Their collaboration turned the online response into a formal studio effort with Parton’s original backing.
Background: Parton’s Welsh Heritage and Career Highlights
Although best known for her American country repertoire, Dolly Parton was of Welsh descent. Over a seven-decade career she amassed ten Grammy Awards, sold more than 100 million records worldwide, and authored over 3,000 songs. These achievements underscore the cultural resonance of a Welsh-language version of one of her most iconic tracks.
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Verbatim Quotes
- “Two years ago I posted a video of me singing the Dolly Parton classic Jolene in Welsh, external,” — Bronwen Lewis — Bronwen Lewis, Welsh singer-songwriter
The upcoming release offers fans a bilingual homage that bridges Parton’s American roots with her Welsh lineage, extending her musical legacy into a new linguistic arena.