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Dolly Parton Sings 'Jolene' in Welsh Before Death
Confirmed
In Short: Legendary country singer Dolly Parton recorded a version of her hit song 'Jolene' in Welsh before her death on August 25, 2025. The recording, a collaboration with Welsh singer-songwriter Bronwen Lewis and Parton's niece Jada Star, is set to be released on October 9.
Parton, known for her extensive musical career spanning seven decades, won 10 Grammy awards and sold over 100 million records worldwide. She was also of Welsh descent, with her mother's side believed to have origins in Conwy.
The idea for the Welsh version of 'Jolene' came from Lewis, who shared her own rendition of the song in Welsh on social media two years ago. This caught the attention of Parton's family, leading to a friendship between Lewis and Star.
Star, who visited Wales to meet Lewis, suggested recording the song in Welsh. Parton, after understanding the phonetics of the translation, recorded her parts at her Nashville studio.
Lewis, a Welsh speaker from Neath, expressed her excitement about the collaboration, saying, 'To hear Dolly sing in another language, and in Welsh for the very first time, was unbelievable.
The recording process was a privilege for both Lewis and Star, who described the experience as 'devastating' but also 'a great honor.' Star said, 'It was devastating, not just for myself and our family, but for the entire world.
The release of this posthumous single marks the second such release since Parton's death. It highlights her enduring legacy and her connection to her Welsh heritage.
In a teaser video released on social media, Star and Lewis explained how the song came to light, showcasing the unique collaboration between Parton, her niece, and a Welsh singer.
Parton's Welsh connection has attracted renewed interest, with research suggesting her ancestors may have links to Machynlleth rather than Conwy, as previously believed.
What this adds
The song's release adds to the growing interest in Parton's Welsh heritage and her musical legacy. The collaboration between Parton, her niece, and a Welsh singer highlights the global impact of her music.
Background
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill recognizing September 25 as Dolly Parton Day, while Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas declared the day to celebrate Parton's contributions to literacy and community engagement.
What's confirmed
- Parton, known for her extensive musical career spanning seven decades, won 10 Grammy awards and sold over 100 million records worldwide. She was also of Welsh descent, with her mother's side believed to have origins in Conwy.
- The idea for the Welsh version of 'Jolene' came from Lewis, who shared her own rendition of the song in Welsh on social media two years ago. This caught the attention of Parton's family, leading to a friendship between Lewis and Star.
- Star, who visited Wales to meet Lewis, suggested recording the song in Welsh. Parton, after understanding the phonetics of the translation, recorded her parts at her Nashville studio.
- Lewis, a Welsh speaker from Neath, expressed her excitement about the collaboration, saying, 'To hear Dolly sing in another language, and in Welsh for the very first time, was unbelievable.
- The recording process was a privilege for both Lewis and Star, who described the experience as 'devastating' but also 'a great honor.' Star said, 'It was devastating, not just for myself and our family, but for the entire world.
- The release of this posthumous single marks the second such release since Parton's death. It highlights her enduring legacy and her connection to her Welsh heritage.
- In a teaser video released on social media, Star and Lewis explained how the song came to light, showcasing the unique collaboration between Parton, her niece, and a Welsh singer.
- Parton's Welsh connection has attracted renewed interest, with research suggesting her ancestors may have links to Machynlleth rather than Conwy, as previously believed.
What's still developing
- Star had also previously spoken about the family's Welsh connection. She said the Owens side of the family, coming from Parton's mother Avie Lee Owens, was believed to have come from Conwy. Speaking to BBC Radio Wales in 2024, Star said discovering that part of the family's history had been "really extraordinary".
- As a proud Welsh speaker, Lewis, from Neath, had started translating some of her favourite tunes, and soon landed on the Parton classic, Jolene.
- "I never expected it would go viral and definitely didn't expect it to attract the attention of Dolly's family - especially her niece Jada." Dolly Parton's niece, Jada, got in touch with Bronwen Lewis after hearing her sing Jolene in Welsh A friendship was born, and Star came over from Nashville in the US to Wales to meet Lewis, joining her at Pride Cymru.
- "I cherish the time I spent with Bronwen exploring one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen." Jada Star asked her aunt, Dolly Parton, if she would sing with her and Bronwen on a version of Jolene The teaser revealed it was Star's suggestion to record Jolene in Welsh, which Lewis "jumped" at the chance to do, with Star then saying she would get her aunt involved too.
- "Definitely cried happy tears, and called my mother immediately." BBC Radio Wales presenter Lewis said she had always loved Parton's music.
- After visiting, Star had the idea to record the song in Welsh, and later asked her aunt to get involved.
- Within 36 hours of Dolly Parton ’s Aug. 25 death, a Change.org petition began circulating to rename Nashville International Airport to Dolly Parton International Airport after the legendary singer and philanthropist.
- Lee had also talked with Parton’s team, who said they were open to continuing the conversation.
- “Dolly Parton’s extraordinary life is forever woven into the fabric of our state,” said Lee, in the statement.
- 28, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee had released a press release announcing a partnership with the airport (also known as BNA) to change the name.
- Currently, the MNAA requires a two-year wait after someone’s death, and the suggested person must have a tie to aviation.
- The one thing Parton didn’t seem to be able to do is pilot a plane, so the MNAA will have to vote to waive both the time policy and the link to aviation, which seems a no-brainer.