Spotify removes incorrect Irish labels from Dolly Parton’s Welsh single

Global streaming giant Spotify has corrected a significant linguistic error on its platform following the release of a new version of Dolly Parton’s classic hit, "Jolene." The platform had mistakenly labeled the Welsh verses of the track as Irish, a discrepancy that was brought to light following the song's official release on October 9, 2025. Spotify took immediate action to remove the incorrect lyric labels after receiving an inquiry from the BBC regarding the error. This release represents the second posthumous single from the late country music icon, who passed away on August 25 after a storied career.

The new rendition of "Jolene" is a cross-generational collaboration featuring Welsh singer Bronwen Lewis and Parton’s niece, Jada Star. The track incorporates both English and Welsh lyrics, specifically designed to celebrate Parton’s own Welsh ancestry. Bronwen Lewis, who is well-known for her bilingual performances, contributed the Welsh translations and vocals to the project. The misidentification on the streaming service reportedly occurred as the track was being processed for its global rollout, leading to a brief period where listeners were presented with the wrong language tags for the Celtic verses.

This release marks a continued effort to honor the legacy of Dolly Parton, who sold more than 100 million records and earned over 10 Grammy Awards during her lifetime. The original "Jolene," first released in 1973, remains one of the most recognizable and covered songs in music history. This specific Welsh-language version serves as a tribute to the singer's heritage, a theme she frequently championed. While the technical glitch on Spotify briefly overshadowed the launch, the swift correction ensures that the cultural and linguistic integrity of the performance is properly preserved for her global audience.