Dolly Parton's Welsh-Language 'Jolene' Set for Posthumous Release on October 9
On 9 October, a new version of Dolly Parton's "Jolene" featuring Welsh lyrics will be unveiled, representing her second posthumous release. Parton, who passed away on 25 August, recorded her vocals in early 2025 after mastering the phonetics of a translation by Welsh singer-songwriter Bronwen Lewis. The initiative was sparked by Parton's niece, Jada Star, who was inspired by Lewis's viral Welsh rendition of "Jolene." Star and Lewis connected at Pride Cymru, where they formed a friendship. Parton, who had Welsh heritage, disclosed her ancestry during a concert in Cardiff in 2008. The single adds to her remarkable seven-decade career, during which she earned 10 Grammy awards and sold over 100 million records. Both Star and Lewis expressed that Parton felt "proud" to perform in Welsh.
Key facts
- Dolly Parton died on 25 August.
- The Welsh-language version of 'Jolene' will be released on 9 October.
- Parton recorded her parts at her Nashville studio in early 2025.
- The collaboration features Welsh singer-songwriter Bronwen Lewis and Parton's niece, Jada Star.
- Lewis's Welsh cover of 'Jolene' went viral after she posted it two years ago.
- Parton was of Welsh descent, with ancestors from the Owens family.
- In 2025, Conwy council archives research suggested Parton's ancestors were from Machynlleth, not Conwy.
- Parton won 10 Grammy awards, sold over 100 million records, and wrote more than 3,000 songs.
Entities
Artists
- Dolly Parton
- Bronwen Lewis
- Jada Star
- Avie Lee Owens
Institutions
- BBC Radio Wales
- BBC
- Conwy council
- Pride Cymru
- U2
- Grammy Awards
- Cardiff International Arena
- Wales Online
- WalesOnline
- Duolingo
- TikTok
- Eisteddfod
Locations
- Wales
- Nashville
- United States
- Neath
- Cardiff
- Conwy
- Machynlleth
- United Kingdom
- Powys
- Tennessee
- Blaendeulais
- Southampton
- Caernarfon