Dolly Parton is singing in Welsh on a new version of "Jolene" that began with a fan's viral video.
The recording, released Oct. 9, brings together the country legend, Welsh singer-songwriter Bronwen Lewis and Parton's niece, Jada Star. Featuring Welsh and English lyrics, it marks Parton's second posthumous single since her death on August 25.
The collaboration also had a family connection beyond Star: Parton's mother, Avie Lee Owens, had Welsh ancestry, and the musicians said Parton took pride in singing in the language.
How Dolly Parton joined a Welsh version of 'Jolene'
For Lewis, a lifelong Parton fan from Neath, Wales, the project started with a Welsh cover of "Jolene" which she shared online in 2024 and gained the attention of many, including Star.
In an announcement video shared by Lewis and
Star, the singers explained how that performance reached Parton's relatives. Star said her cousin Rebecca sent her the clip, prompting her to contact Lewis.
The two became friends, and Star traveled to Wales, where they performed together at Pride Cymru and explored the countryside. Star said the visit also helped her learn about her family's heritage.
After Lewis interviewed Star on her radio show, Star suggested they record "Jolene" together. Pleased with the result, she then asked her aunt to participate.
"She said yes right away," Star recalled.
Lewis said she cried and immediately called her mother, another Parton fan, after learning the singer would join them.
"I couldn't quite believe it. I think I dropped to the floor. I started crying. I felt all the emotions," Lewis said.
Parton studied the pronunciation of Lewis' Welsh translation and recorded her vocals at her Nashville studio in early 2025. Lewis and Star recorded their contributions in the United Kingdom.
The pair had planned for Lewis to visit Nashville and meet Parton as they prepared to release the song. Parton died before that meeting could happen, they said in the video. After grieving, they decided to finish the project.
"Jada and I sort of stood up and realized the fact that what a privilege to collaborate and to record with one of the greatest musicians of all time, and one of the greatest women to ever grace this earth," Lewis said. "We did what she always told us to do, which was pull ourselves together and get ourselves back to work and finish what we started."
Parton had previously spoken about her mother's family's Welsh roots. Although relatives initially believed their ancestors came from Conwy, research by staff at the local council's archives suggested they came from Machynlleth, Wales, the BBC reported.
Dolly Parton's recordings continue to emerge after her death
Parton died Aug. 25 at 80. Her representatives previously confirmed to USA TODAY that she had been battling cancer, though they did not disclose the type.
The new "Jolene" follows Parton's first posthumous song, "Bound to Ride," released Sept. 9 with the First Ladies of Bluegrass. That track appears on "Where the Soul Never Dies: Celebrating 80 Years of The Stanley Brothers," a tribute album due Oct. 16.
Parton also left a prerecorded acceptance speech that played at the Americana Music Honors & Awards in Nashville on Sept. 16, when she received a lifetime achievement award.
And at least one recording is being saved for a much later audience: Parton wrote and recorded a secret song sealed in a time capsule at her Dollywood resort.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dolly Parton sings 'Jolene' in Welsh on posthumous release. Here's why
