DOLLY Parton has expressed her delight over the interest in her Welsh heritage, saying she is “tickled pink” about the curiosity. The country music star traced her ancestry to South Wales for a TV programme.

In a brief clip played on Radio 4’s Today Programme, Parton mentioned she couldn’t “give away all the secrets yet”. She added that “all the juicy details” will be revealed when her documentaries air later this year.

Parton, born in Tennessee, has sold over 100 million records worldwide. Her niece, singer Jada Star, found it “a lot of fun” to discover their Welsh roots.

“Finding out about that side of our family is really extraordinary,” Jada said. “Especially with everything we’re uncovering about our musical connections—how it’s always been with us—is wonderful.”

Jada suggested that some of Parton’s music, and her own, may have been inspired by their Welsh heritage. “A lot of music, especially from the Appalachians and east Tennessee where we come from, reflects where those people settled. The skill of hearing a story and then relaying it memorably, so it lives on forever, is a big part of Welsh music. These are stories passed down for centuries.”

Jada also mentioned she is currently learning Welsh and hopes to use it when she visits the country. “I’m trying my best. I’ve got that little owl on Duolingo working double time for me. I can do some morning and afternoon greetings. I’m trying not to butcher it, and I hope everyone can help me when I get there.”

This isn’t the first time the “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You” singer has been linked to Wales. During a 2008 concert at the Cardiff International Arena, Parton reportedly told fans she had Welsh ancestry.

SIMON PEARCE, the esteemed Organist and Master of the Choristers at St Davids Cathedral, was honoured to attend a royal garden party at Buckingham Palace, hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

The event, celebrating the UK’s Creative and Cultural Industries, featured an array of celebrities, stunning displays of spring gardens, and performances by the Band of The Marines.

Mr Pearce, who attended with his wife Katherine was appointed in 2022 as the Director of Music at the cathedral—a position he has held since 1998 in an assistant capacity—expressed his delight at the opportunity to represent the festival. “Every single moment was to be savoured,” he remarked, noting the “wonderful music, fantastic host of celebs, a sumptuous tea party, stunning gardens and Palace, and glorious British spring weather.”

The St Davids Cathedral Music Festival 2024 will open with a dazzling performance by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales on May 25. The orchestra will treat audiences to Mathias’s Festival Overture and Brahms’ Second Symphony.

Adding to the splendour, award-winning violinist Inmo Yang will grace the stage with his rendition of Sibelius’ Violin Concerto.

This year’s festival will also introduce several new performers. The Choir of Royal Holloway is set to debut on May 27, enchanting attendees with choral arrangements of orchestral classics. Local talent is also in the spotlight, with Pembrokeshire-born horn player Simon Lewis performing alongside Trio Preseli on May 26, showcasing works by Welsh composer Anthony Randall.

Adding a touch of environmental consciousness to the festival, clarinet virtuoso Emma Johnson returns on May 28 with her Orchestra for the Environment.

Their repertoire will include pieces by Mozart, Tchaikovsky, and Johnson’s own composition, ‘The Tree of Life’.

The festival will kick off with the 150-strong Children’s Festival Chorus on May 24, captivating audiences with their youthful energy and a live band.

Throughout the week, the cathedral musicians will feature prominently in several concerts, with the highlight being the full Cathedral choir performing Choral Evensong live on BBC Radio 3.

This prestigious invitation to Buckingham Palace came just two years after Mr Pearce’s official appointment as the Master of Choristers, a role in which he has pledged to continue enhancing the cathedral’s distinguished musical tradition.

At the time of his appointment, the Very Revd Dr Sarah Rowland Jones, as Dean of St. Davids, praised Mr Pearce’s exceptional talents, saying, “It has been a pleasure to enjoy the excellence of Simon’s playing and conducting over the years.”

Under his leadership, the Cathedral Choir and Choral Foundation have been furthering their well-deserved reputation for excellence. “St Davids Cathedral is a spiritually inspiring and beautiful place in which to make music,” Mr Pearce said, acknowledging the special connections the cathedral maintains with the local community, school, and the wider Pembrokeshire area.

DINOSAUR ADVENTURE LIVE is back and even more ROARSOME!

Join our brave Rangers for another action packed Dinosaur Adventure in the all new and exciting show: TROUBLE ON VOLCANO ISLAND.

When the island’s ancient volcano becomes active, it spells danger for everyone – including the Dinosaurs!  

It’s a race against time to help our Rangers and favourite Dinosaurs in this thrilling prehistoric expedition, to save Volcano Island from imminent disaster.

Meet the incredible Triceratops, the cheeky Spinosaurus, our cute baby dinos and the gigantic T-Rex as we follow in their huge footprints  and journey across the island. We’ll encounter wild new species of Dinosaur whilst conquering exhilarating challenges at every turn!  

This amazing, immersive and interactive show is guaranteed to be an unforgettable adventure for the whole family. 

Remember to join us after the show for a free photo opportunity and meet the dinos!

“There’s trouble on Volcano Island, get ready for an explosively good time!”

 Dinosaur Adventure Live will be visiting The Torch Theatre in Milford Haven on July 31.