Shania Twain is a globally recognized celebrity, but her life hasn’t always been as glamorous as it seems. Before she became a chart-topping star, she faced many hardships that shaped her journey.
Born and raised in Timmins, Ontario, Twain grew up in poverty. Her family struggled financially, with her stepfather working a low-paying forestry job and her mother battling depression. As one of five children, she learned from an early age to go without necessities like food, heating, and electricity. She often went hungry at school, sometimes hoping her classmates would leave leftovers she could eat.
Music became her escape from this harsh reality. She would take her guitar into the woods, start a small fire, and lose herself in her songs, finding solace in music amid her struggles.
Early Performance Experience
Twain’s mother recognized her talent early and began taking her to local bars to perform when she was just eight. Since she was too young to be in establishments serving alcohol, she sang after midnight when customers had already received their drinks. By the time she was eleven, she was allowed to perform earlier in the evening but didn’t start getting paid until she turned fourteen.
To support herself, she took a job at McDonald’s, which she later described as her “saving grace” because it provided her with steady meals. Her schedule was grueling—working after school, performing at bars late at night—but she remained focused on building a better future through music.
A Troubled Home Life
Beyond financial struggles, Twain’s home life was deeply troubled. Her stepfather legally adopted her and her siblings, but he was abusive. She recalled moments of physical violence, including a time when she defended herself by throwing a chair at him. She admitted, “I think a lot of that was anger, not courage.”
At just ten years old, she became a victim of sexual abuse at the hands of her stepfather, a secret she kept for years before finding the strength to speak publicly about it.
Taking on Responsibility
At 22, Twain’s life changed dramatically when her mother and stepfather died in a car accident. Suddenly, she was responsible for raising her younger siblings.
She took a singing job at a nearby resort, which allowed her to keep them together under one roof. Her days were filled with responsibilities—getting her siblings to school, chopping wood to heat the house, and singing late into the night.
Her job required her to maintain a polished and feminine image, something she had never prioritized before. But as her siblings grew more independent, she was finally able to focus on her own dreams.
A Breakthrough in Music
Twain sent a demo to record labels, and her persistence paid off when she was signed by Mercury Nashville. Her career took off, and she soon met music producer Robert “Mutt” Lange. Their partnership led to not only a professional breakthrough but also a romantic relationship. They married and collaborated on Twain’s music, helping shape her signature sound and propelling her to stardom.
However, as her fame grew, Twain began experiencing vocal issues. It took ten years before she was diagnosed with Lyme disease, which had damaged her vocal cords. She had to undergo surgery, which altered her voice, making it raspier than before. Instead of letting this setback define her, she embraced the change and continued making music.
Personal Struggles and a New Beginning
Her marriage to Lange seemed successful both personally and professionally, but it ended in heartbreak when she discovered he was having an affair with her close friend and former secretary, Marie-Anne Thiébaud. The betrayal was devastating, but an unexpected bond formed between Twain and Marie-Anne’s husband, Frédéric Thiébaud. Their shared pain eventually turned into love, and the two married in 2011, marking a new chapter in her life.
Despite everything, Twain holds no resentment toward her ex-husband, acknowledging his role in her career and appreciating the son they share.
Throughout her life, Shania Twain has experienced both incredible highs and devastating lows. Her story is one of resilience, determination, and transformation. As she continues her journey, fans around the world celebrate her strength and success.