Welsh singer-songwriter Bronwen Lewis and Nashville-based artist Jada Star have released a unique Welsh-language version of Dolly Parton's classic hit "Jolene," featuring vocals from the country music legend herself. Released October 9, 2026, the recording celebrates Welsh heritage, family connections, and the enduring power of music.
How a Welsh Cover of "Jolene" Brought the Artists Together
Lewis, who grew up in the South Wales valleys, developed a love for Dolly Parton's music while embracing her Welsh-speaking heritage. Inspired to translate some of her favorite songs, she created a Welsh-language version of "Jolene" that eventually went viral and caught the attention of Parton's family, including her niece, Jada Star.
The two artists connected through social media and soon formed a close friendship. Star traveled to Wales, where they explored the countryside, discovered connections to their shared family heritage, and performed together at Pride Cymru.
Before returning to Nashville, Star suggested recording "Jolene" together. The pair subsequently entered a studio in Southampton with producer Ollie Knight and Eric Rupert's band, creating what became the first bilingual version of the song.
The collaboration took an extraordinary turn when Star revealed that her aunt, Dolly Parton, wanted to join the recording.
Dolly Parton Sings in Welsh
With Lewis helping explain the pronunciation of the Welsh lyrics, Parton recorded her vocal parts in the United States. Her participation added a deeply personal dimension to the project, connecting the iconic song with the Welsh ancestry celebrated by the artists.
However, the release became especially poignant following Parton's reported death on August 25 at age 80, according to the supplied announcement. Lewis and Star decided to complete the project in honor of the singer's legacy and share the recording with listeners as originally planned.
"We just wish Dolly could be here to see the response," Lewis said, expressing hope that the song would reach audiences around the world.
The release offers listeners a different interpretation of one of country music's most recognizable songs while highlighting Parton's willingness to embrace the Welsh language and her ancestral connections.
Listen to "Jolene (Welsh Version)" on major streaming platforms.
About Bronwen Lewis and Jada Star
Lewis is a Welsh singer, songwriter, and broadcaster known for her Welsh-language covers and appearances on television, including The Voice UK. She also hosts programs on BBC Radio Wales and continues to perform while championing Welsh music and culture.
Star, a singer-songwriter and Dolly Parton's niece, grew up surrounded by music and family traditions in East Tennessee. After years of performing at Dollywood and developing her songwriting, she has continued recording and touring while working on new music.
Through this collaboration, Lewis and Star bring together their shared appreciation for music, family heritage, and storytelling, giving "Jolene" a new identity in the Welsh language while honoring Parton's lasting influence on country music.
