Understand
Dolly Parton releases posthumous bilingual Welsh-English cover of Jolene
Overview
Country music icon Dolly Parton has released a bilingual Welsh and English version of her classic hit 'Jolene', recorded in collaboration with her niece Jada Star and Welsh singer-songwriter Bronwen Lewis. The track was recorded at Parton's Nashville studio in early 2025 following a viral translation by Lewis. Parton, who had known Welsh ancestry linked to Machynlleth in Powys, was said to be proud to sing in Welsh before her death on 25 August.
Key points
- Dolly Parton, Jada Star, and Bronwen Lewis released a bilingual Welsh and English cover of 'Jolene'.
- The song was recorded at Parton's Nashville studio in early 2025, prior to her death on 25 August.
- Bronwen Lewis had translated the track in 2024, and Jada Star suggested recording it in Welsh with her aunt.
- Parton had previously spoken about her Welsh ancestry, which archival research linked to Machynlleth in Powys.
- The release marks Parton's second posthumous single.