Dolly Parton's Welsh-language version of her classic hit Jolene was uploaded to Spotify with lyrics incorrectly labeled as Irish rather than Welsh. The song, a collaboration between the late country music icon, Welsh singer-songwriter Bronwen Lewis, and Parton's niece Jada Star, was recorded before Parton's death on 25 August 2026. According to BBC News, Spotify removed the mislabeled Irish lyrics after the broadcaster approached the service for comment.
The single was released on 9 October 2026 as the second posthumous release from Parton, who was of Welsh descent. The BBC inquired when Spotify had uploaded the single and its lyrics, when the error was identified, and when corrected versions would be made available, but the streaming platform did not provide responses to these questions.
The Welsh version features parts of the song performed in both English and Welsh, representing a unique take on Parton's 1973 original. Lewis, from Neath, began translating songs in 2024 and did not anticipate her Welsh-language Jolene video would gain significant traction or catch the attention of Parton's family. The collaboration came about after Lewis posted her translation on social media, prompting Star to suggest recording the song together in Welsh—a proposal that Parton enthusiastically accepted.
Recording took place across two locations: Lewis and Star laid down their vocals in the UK, while Parton recorded her parts in her Nashville studio. Parton recorded her vocals in early 2025 after working through the pronunciation of Lewis's Welsh translation, demonstrating her commitment to authenticity in the bilingual rendition.
How did this collaboration come together?
The project emerged organically from Lewis's passion for translating music into Welsh. After her Welsh-language Jolene video gained attention on social media platforms, Star reached out with the idea of creating a full recording. Star, Parton's niece, saw an opportunity to honor both her aunt's legacy and their family's Welsh heritage. The three artists worked remotely to bring the vision to life, with each contributing their distinctive voice to the final product.
Star has since begun learning Welsh through Duolingo, naming words like "Draig" (dragon) and "Pilipala" (butterfly) among her favourite discoveries. This personal investment in the language reflects the deeper cultural significance the project holds for Parton's family.
What is Parton's connection to Wales?
Parton's Welsh ancestry played a central role in motivating this collaboration. In 2008, during a concert at Cardiff International Arena, Parton revealed her Welsh heritage to the audience. Star later disclosed that one side of the family descended from Parton's mother, Avie Lee Owens, and was initially believed to originate from Conwy. Following Parton's death, archival research conducted by staff at Conwy council's archives indicated that Parton's ancestors actually came from Machynlleth in Powys, rather than Conwy as previously thought.
What is the history of Jolene?
The original Jolene, released in 1973, stands as one of Parton's most enduring compositions. The song emerged from a genuine moment in Parton's life—her fear of losing her husband Carl Dean to a red-haired bank clerk who had flirted with him during the early years of their marriage. The track earned a Grammy nomination in 1974 and became Parton's second number one single on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, while also marking her first entry into the main Hot 100 chart, where it reached number 60.
Over the decades, Jolene has accumulated more than one billion streams on Spotify and inspired countless cover versions by renowned artists across multiple genres. The song's universal themes of vulnerability and devotion have ensured its relevance across generations of listeners.
What was Parton's broader legacy?
Parton, who passed away at age 80, left an indelible mark on music and popular culture. Throughout her career spanning nearly seven decades, she won 10 Grammy Awards and sold more than 100 million records worldwide. Beyond her musical achievements, Parton authored more than 3,000 songs and expanded her influence into film, business ventures, and extensive philanthropic work. Her Welsh version of Jolene represents a fitting tribute to her heritage and demonstrates how her music continues to inspire new creative interpretations even after her passing.
Key Facts
- Spotify initially displayed the Welsh-language Jolene lyrics with an Irish language tag before removing them following BBC inquiry
- The collaboration features Parton's vocals recorded in Nashville, while Lewis and Star recorded their parts in the United Kingdom
- Parton's ancestors were traced to Machynlleth in Powys, Wales, following posthumous archival research
- The original Jolene has accumulated over one billion Spotify streams since its 1973 release
- Jada Star is actively learning Welsh and has become invested in the language through the recording process
