Shania Twain, the best-selling female artist in country music history, and one of the top-selling music artists of all time, will always hold a special place in our hearts.
Known as the “Queen of Country Pop,” Shania became a global superstar in the 1990s. But not many people know about the struggles she faced along the way. Before her big break, Shania grew up in poverty, often going hungry. Then, at just 22, a heartbreaking tragedy changed her life and gave her new responsibilities.
Shania was born as Eilleen Regina Edwards in Windsor, Ontario, on August 28, 1965. Later, she changed her last name to Twain when her mother, Sharon, married a man named Jerry Twain.
Shania Twain’s biological father wasn’t around when she was growing up, so she never publicly called him her dad. Instead, her stepfather, Jerry, stepped in and took care of Shania and her two sisters, even legally adopting them.
Shania once said, “My father (Jerry) went out of his way to raise three daughters that weren’t even his. For me to acknowledge another man as my father, a man who was never there for me as a father, who wasn’t the one who struggled every day to put food on our table, would have hurt him terribly.”
Shania’s childhood wasn’t easy. She grew up in poverty in the rural town of Timmins, Canada. Her stepfather Jerry, who was a full-blooded Ojibway, worked hard but didn’t earn much money, making it difficult to provide for the family.
Shania Twain and her sisters often didn’t have enough to eat growing up. Sometimes, the only food they had was a dish called “goulash,” which was just dry bread with boiled milk and brown sugar. During the cold Canadian winters, Shania had to wear bread bags on her feet because her family couldn’t afford proper boots.
Even though things were tough, Shania never told anyone about their situation. She was afraid that if people knew how bad things were, the authorities might separate her family.
Her home life was also unstable. The marriage between her mother, Sharon, and her stepfather, Jerry, had its problems. At one point, Shania convinced her mom to leave Jerry, and they all went to a homeless shelter in Toronto. But when Shania was 16, her mother decided to go back to Jerry and try to make things work again.
Because of her difficult childhood, Shania said she lived in “survivor mode” even as an adult. She felt she couldn’t rely on her parents to protect her or be steady caregivers.
When Shania was eight years old, she started singing in bars to help pay the bills. Even though it was a risky thing for such a young girl, she could make up to $20 a night, which was a big help for her struggling family. Even though she didn’t like doing it, the money was essential for them to get by.
Shania Twain’s love for music helped her get through tough times. She said in *Shania Twain: The Biography*, “My deepest passion was music, and it helped. There were moments when I thought, ‘I hate this.’ I hated going into bars and being around drunks. But I loved the music, and so I survived.”
Performing in rural bars and retirement homes in Canada helped Shania improve her stage presence and explore her musical talent. It wasn’t long before she was ready for bigger opportunities.
At 13, Shania got her big break by performing on *The Tommy Hunter Show*, a famous country music variety show on CBC Television. Hosted by Tommy Hunter, known as “Canada’s Country Gentleman,” the show gave Shania a great chance to show off her skills as a country singer.
In the mid-1980s, Shania was still a struggling singer-songwriter trying to make it in the music world. She had joined her first band, Longshot, when she was 16, but eventually moved to Toronto at 21 to further pursue her dreams in music.
As Shania Twain continued performing, more people began to notice her incredible talent and beauty. One of those people was famous country singer Mary Bailey. When she saw Shania perform in Sudbury, Ontario, she was amazed.
“I saw this little girl up on stage with a guitar, and it absolutely blew me away,” Bailey said. Shania performed Willie Nelson’s “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain” and Hank Williams’ “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry.” Bailey thought Shania’s voice was powerful and full of emotion, reminding her of singer Tanya Tucker. She knew right away that Shania had the potential to be a star.
Bailey, who later became Shania’s manager, recalled, “She sang a few songs that she had written, and I thought to myself, this kid is like nineteen years old—where does she get this? This is from a person who’s lived sixty years.”
In 1987, Shania Twain was on the verge of breaking through as a country artist. She had the talent and the opportunities, and Nashville was ready for her. But then, a tragedy changed everything.
On the afternoon of November 1, 1987, Shania’s parents, Jerry and Sharon, were driving on a remote logging road to a work site. Sadly, their car collided with a truck carrying timber. Both Jerry and Sharon died in the crash, leaving behind their two sons and three daughters.
Shania was devastated when she heard the news. She described the feeling as being like a tree with strong roots for 30 years, only to have someone try to cut her down.
Instead of focusing on her music career, Shania decided to return to her hometown of Timmins. She took on the responsibility of caring for her younger siblings, who were 13, 14, and 18 at the time
Shania Twain said that the time after her parents’ deaths was very hard, but it also helped her grow up and become more mature. She took on the responsibility of raising her younger siblings by herself, making sure they had the support they needed.
Later, Shania and her siblings moved to Huntsville, Ontario. There, she found a job as a singer and dancer at the Deerhurst Resort. At that time, Shania thought about giving up on music because she needed to focus on taking care of her family. She said in 1995, “I thought, my family comes first. I have to take care of them. I didn’t even think of my future…. I’m lucky I got the job at Deerhurst, because it was music. I didn’t know where I was going to go from there.”
While working at Deerhurst, Shania continued to develop her skills as an entertainer. She made a demo tape of her songs, which caught the attention of a Mercury Nashville Records executive. This led to Shania being invited to Nashville, where she released her first album, *Shania Twain*, in 1993. Although the album didn’t become a big hit, it received positive reviews from critics.
One person who really liked Shania Twain’s music was South African record producer Mutt Lange. He was so impressed that he contacted Shania to see if he could help produce and write songs with her.
After meeting at Nashville’s Fan Fair in June 1993, they started working together closely and quickly became very close. Just six months later, they got married. Even though Shania was more than ten years younger than Mutt, they had a special connection. Together, they wrote many hit songs that helped make Shania a superstar, including the albums *The Woman in Me* (1995) and *Come On Over* (1997).
By 2007, The Woman in Me had sold more than 12 million copies in the United States. At the time of its release it was a huge success, turning Shania Twain into a star overnight.
Shania Twain said in 1997, “We just took a chance and followed our instincts, and it worked out. I think there was something on that album for everybody.”
Usually, Shania wrote the lyrics for their songs, and Mutt Lange created the music. While working on the album *Come On Over*, Mutt added some rock-n-roll elements, inspired by his past work with bands like AC/DC and Def Leppard.
The result of combining country and rock music was a huge success, with the album selling 40 million copies worldwide. The 1997 album included some of Shania’s biggest hits, like “You’re Still The One” and “Man! I Feel Like A Woman.”
Shania Twain said, “In my mind, I was just being myself, and that was the great thing — to just be myself and let my personality come through in the music.”
In the late 1990s, “Shaniamania” took America by storm. Today, *Come On Over* is the ninth best-selling album of any kind in the US and the top-selling country album ever.
On August 12, 2001, Shania and Mutt Lange welcomed a son. They named him Eja (pronounced “Asia”) and, according to the media, Shania delivered her son at a hospital in Switzerland, without any “media fanfare”.
Shania Twain’s down-to-earth charm was evident when she kept her pregnancy private. She didn’t share any details about her baby, Eja, when he was born.
However, a few years later, Shania went through a very public divorce, and some unflattering details about her marriage were revealed in the media.
Before the divorce, there had been many rumors about problems in Shania’s marriage. In 1997, she addressed these rumors and denied that they were getting divorced.
She said, “Mutt and I are an unlikely pair. There’s been talk in the tabloids that we’re divorcing, but we are very happy. We love each other in every way. We have a great creative relationship and a great personal relationship. We feel as strong as ever—and ‘Still the One’ is sort of my own personal song about marriage.”
In 2008, though, Shania and her husband separated. The reason? Lange had engaged in an affair with Shania’s best friend, Marie-Anne Thiébaud.
Shania was, of course, completely heartbroken. She said she cried constantly and took five baths a day. According to the country star, she was ”ready to die”.
“I’ll be honest: when your husband leaves you, and falls into the arms of your close friend, your self-esteem can really suffer,” she said.
Shania and Marie-Anne were really good friends who had first met when the latter was hired as an assistant and interpreter for Mutt Lange. After finding out about the affair, Shania confronted her so-called friend.
”I just told her that she was a bad person – that’s all I could get out!’
‘When I left her, I thought, “You’re such a wimp, you coward!”‘
Things took an unexpected turn for Shania Twain when she found love again.
In 2011, Shania married businessman Frédéric Thiébaud, who was once married to her former friend Marie-Anne. They connected through their shared heartbreak and got married in Puerto Rico, with a small ceremony attended by about 40 close friends and family.
Shania told the Daily Mail, “I don’t take any day for granted anymore. Fred has given me a new lease on love.”
Shania Twain has said that she found “a true friend and a dear gentleman” in her husband, Frédéric Thiébaud. She describes their 10+ years together as a true gift. When they started dating, Fred surprised her with romantic trips, like flying her to a Swiss glacier and renting out a whole movie theater just for her.
Shania said, “It’s twisted. So beautifully twisted.” Fred added, “To express my love, words are not enough. I’m more in love with her every day.”
Shania lives in Corseaux, Switzerland, with her husband. She is known for being very private and rarely gives interviews.
In recent years, Shania has released several albums with mixed success. Right now, she is performing in Las Vegas, where she showcases her award-winning career with highlights from her iconic videos and global tours.
She has also tried her luck in the film industry, appearing in several movies over the years. In 2019, she starred alongside John Travolta in Trading Paint, and in 2020 portrayed the mother of singer Jeremy Camp in the autobiographical movie I Still Believe.
Though Shania does not appear as often on the top lists today, she has left a massive mark in popular culture. Once the reigning queen of country music, she helped influence artists such as Britney Spears, Taylor Swift, and Carrie Underwood.
Carrie Underwood said in 2016, “I think we were all definitely influenced by Shania, even if we don’t realize it. Her music was so different and revolutionary at the time. She definitely paved the way for a lot of us.”
Shania was also known for her stylish outfits and supermodel looks. In 2009, readers of Hello! magazine voted her the No. 1 Most Beautiful Canadian. Shania has shared some of her secrets for staying youthful, including being a vegetarian, eating lots of raw food, and meditating daily.
She said, “A happy heart comes first, then the happy face.”
Shania Twain, now 59, talked about how she’s handling aging. She admitted to being a bit insecure about her changing body. She said, “I’m letting ‘the girls’ hang loose under my sweat clothes around the house. When someone comes to the door, I cross my arms under them for support.”
In a 2020 interview on the LadyGang podcast, she mentioned, “Aging is a battle you can’t win. I just started accepting it and stepping away from fights I can’t win.”
Shania added that focusing on aging was taking up too much of her energy and space in her life. “I’ve got songs to write. I’m not gonna sit around,” she said.
Are you also a fan of Shania Twain? I think she’s still gorgeous and more important – a really great woman. Shania is an example for us all. Love and just admire her!
If you are inspired by this amazing woman, forward this story to everyone you know on Facebook!
My Son Was Set to Marry His Soulmate, Until a Secret Letter Shattered Their Fairytale Wedding
In a twist worthy of a soap opera, Nick and Emily’s dream wedding turned into a nightmare when a letter from Nick’s ex, Natalie, sparked a scandal. Unraveling a web of deceit, they confronted truths that tested their love and trust in a dramatic quest for vindication.
Five years ago, Nick introduced us to his girlfriend, Emily, and right off the bat, she struck me as someone special. It was only their second week of dating, but the way they looked at each other, it was like they’d known one another for a lifetime. Emily was clever, funny, and had this respectful manner that won us over instantly. I remember thinking, “Finally, a woman who matches my son’s heart and spirit.”
Now, it’s important to mention Nick’s ex, Natalie. She and Nick had a long history, and while their breakup was amicable, I always sensed an undercurrent of unresolved feelings from her end. So, when Emily came into the picture, I braced myself for awkward encounters at group gatherings, given that Natalie was still in our son’s friend circle.
But life has its surprises, doesn’t it? Natalie and Emily became best friends, much to my initial bewilderment. It was odd at first, watching them laugh and share secrets, knowing their shared connection to Nick. However, seeing the genuine bond they formed helped me put any lingering reservations to rest. It seemed like everyone was moving forward in a healthy, mature way.
The past, with its complicated emotions, felt like water under the bridge. We embraced Emily as part of our family, and even Natalie’s presence became a natural part of our gatherings. There was a sense of harmony, a balanced dynamic that allowed old wounds to heal and new relationships to flourish.
Emily’s presence brought a lightness to our family life. She had this way of making even mundane activities seem delightful, and her thoughtful gestures never went unnoticed. Whether it was helping me in the kitchen or engaging in deep conversations with my husband about books and music, Emily fit into our family like the missing piece of a puzzle we didn’t know we were missing.
The contrast between Emily and Natalie, in terms of their relationship with Nick and our family, was stark yet beautifully reconciled. While Natalie shared a past with Nick, it was Emily who shared his present and, presumably, his future. This dynamic, surprisingly, caused no jealousy or tension; it instead wove a richer tapestry of our collective experiences.
The lead-up to the wedding was a time of pure bliss. After numerous delays due to Covid and other life hurdles, we were finally gearing up for the big day. Emily and I, along with her mother, spent countless hours pouring over every detail.
We found the perfect snow-white dress that made Emily look like a dream. The bond between our families grew stronger during these preparations; there was laughter, shared stories, and an air of excitement that made everything feel magical.
We chose a stunning beach venue, with an archway decorated with white and pale pink flowers that framed the ocean view spectacularly. It was as if we were stepping into a fairytale, with the soft sound of waves complementing our joyous preparations.
The day before the wedding, everything seemed perfect. The rehearsal dinner was a celebration of love, family, and the future. Nick and Emily looked so in love, so ready to start their new life together. It felt like nothing could go wrong.
But then, the unexpected twist. On the wedding day, as guests started to arrive and the sun began its slow descent, casting a golden glow over the beach, the atmosphere was electric with anticipation. I was helping with the final touches when I saw Natalie approach Nick.
They shared a long hug, and then she handed him a letter. I could only hear her saying, “Read it and run.” I saw the color drain from Nick’s face as he read the contents. Without a word, he turned, ran to his car, and drove off at a speed that left everyone in shock.
The confusion that followed was indescribable. Guests were whispering, wondering what had happened to cause such a reaction. I approached Natalie, my heart pounding, and asked what was in the letter. Her smile, wide and unsettling, did nothing to ease my anxiety. “I just showed him the truth about who Emily is,” she said before turning and walking away. My mind raced with possibilities, none of them good.
I rushed to find Emily, who was in the bridal suite, oblivious to the chaos unfolding outside. The look of joy and anticipation on her face turned to one of shock and confusion as I relayed what had happened. She couldn’t understand it; she kept repeating that everything was fine, that she and Nick were happy. Her disbelief mirrored my own. How could a day so filled with love turn so quickly into a nightmare?
As Emily tried to call Nick, her hands shaking and her eyes welling with tears, I stood there feeling helpless. The joy of the morning had evaporated, leaving a heavy cloud of uncertainty. The wedding was supposed to be a celebration of love and new beginnings, but instead, it turned into a scene from a dramatic movie that you never expect to be part of your life.
After Nick drove away from the venue, leaving a cloud of dust and unanswered questions behind, the rest of us were frozen in disbelief. The joyous occasion of his wedding to Emily turned into a scene of chaos and confusion. With the ceremony abruptly canceled, guests dispersed, murmuring about what might have caused such a dramatic exit. I was left to face a room full of decorations that now seemed like relics of a joy that was never fully realized.
I found Emily in a state of utter shock, her bridal gown—a symbol of joy and union—now just a painful reminder of what could have been. She was inconsolable, her dream day shattered into pieces. I attempted to piece together the events, to understand why my son would do something so drastic. Emily, through her tears, insisted she had no idea why Nick would react so strongly to whatever was in that letter from Natalie.
The next day, the tension in our home was palpable. Nick returned, his eyes red, a mix of anger and sorrow in his expression. He looked like someone carrying the weight of the world.
It was then that he revealed the cause of his sudden departure: a letter from Natalie, containing screenshots of what appeared to be Emily kissing another man at a bar, dated just a month ago. My heart sank as he showed me the images, his hands trembling, voice filled with a mixture of rage and pain.
The letter, he explained, was Natalie’s proof of Emily’s alleged infidelity. I stared at the images, feeling a mix of anger and skepticism. How could Emily, who had shown nothing but love and commitment to Nick, be the person in these compromising photos? And yet, the evidence seemed undeniable, the timestamps glaring accusingly from the corner of each image.
I urged Nick to confront Emily directly, to seek the truth beyond the damning images. It was clear that the situation was complex, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that something about Natalie’s intervention felt maliciously orchestrated. The fact that Nick had been swayed so significantly by these images, without direct confrontation or discussion with Emily, spoke volumes about the trust issues sown by Natalie’s insinuations over time.
As a mother, I felt torn between supporting my son and seeking justice for Emily, who I believed was wronged in this devastating scenario. The cancellation of the wedding, the tears, the accusations—it all felt like a nightmare we couldn’t wake up from.
The day after that, Emily, steadfast in her innocence, urged Nick to revisit the bar captured in the incriminating screenshots. She was adamant that the images were doctored, and the truth lay within the establishment’s security footage.
Reluctantly, and with a heart heavy with doubt, Nick agreed to accompany Emily to the bar. The atmosphere was tense, as both were about to face what could be the final blow to their relationship. Upon arrival, they were met with initial resistance. The staff, wary of getting involved in personal disputes, were hesitant to grant access to the security tapes.
But as Emily and Nick shared their story, the gravity of the situation became apparent. The bar manager, sensing the desperation and the potential injustice at play, agreed to help. With bated breath, they reviewed the footage, searching for the timestamp that matched the screenshots.
And there, on the grainy screen, was the moment of truth. The couple in the footage was indeed not Nick and Emily. The woman, though similar in appearance to Emily, was clearly someone else upon closer inspection.
The man was a stranger to both of them. The realization that these images were manipulated to resemble Emily hit Nick like a ton of bricks. The deceit was palpable, and the relief that followed was mixed with a profound sense of betrayal.
The truth was both a balm and a sharp sting. Emily’s innocence was proven, but the extent of Natalie’s manipulation was a bitter pill to swallow. Nick was confronted with the reality that someone he once cared for could orchestrate such a malicious scheme. The deception was not just a simple act of jealousy but a calculated move to destroy a relationship and, potentially, two lives.
In that moment, the pieces of the puzzle fell into place. The months of Natalie whispering doubts about Emily, her seemingly innocuous comments about Emily’s loyalty, were all part of a larger, more sinister plan. Nick’s realization of Natalie’s true nature was a jarring wake-up call to the dangers of hidden malice and the lengths some people will go to fulfill their vendettas.
The stark revelation of Natalie’s deceit shattered the trust that once seemed unbreakable between them. They’ve been grappling with the shadows of betrayal, trying to piece back together a relationship that was nearly destroyed by meticulously crafted lies.
For Nick, the guilt of doubting Emily, the woman he loves, has been a heavy burden. He’s been wrestling with his own naivety and the realization that his trust in Natalie, a friend he thought he knew, led to such chaos. The journey for him has been one of learning to forgive himself, understanding the complexities of trust, and the importance of open communication.
Emily, on the other hand, faced with the immense pain of being wrongfully accused, has been a pillar of strength, yet not without her own struggles. The betrayal by a close friend, coupled with the public embarrassment of a canceled wedding, tested her resolve and trust in those around her. Her journey is one of healing, rebuilding her self-worth, and learning to trust again, not just in Nick but in the relationships that surround her.
Together, they are taking steps towards mending their bond, knowing well that the scars of such profound betrayal take time to heal. Their relationship, once a beacon of love and understanding, now bears the marks of suspicion and hurt. Yet, in these trials, there is a glimmer of hope, a testament to their commitment to one another and the love they share.
As for me, watching my son and his fiancée endure such heartache has been a stark reminder of the fragile nature of trust and the destructive power of jealousy. It’s a lesson in the importance of seeking the truth and the need for vigilance in protecting our loved ones from hidden malice.
Looking forward, the road to recovery for Nick and Emily is uncertain but not without hope. The love that brought them together is still evident, flickering amidst the turmoil, ready to be rekindled. As a mother, my deepest wish is for them to find happiness and for their love to emerge stronger, fortified by the trials they’ve overcome.
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