Shania Twain, the renowned Canadian singer, began her remarkable career at the young age of ten. Over the years, she became one of the most popular and beloved entertainers of all time, rewriting the history of music. Even at the age of 58, she continues to shine bright.
However, Twain’s journey hasn’t always been smooth sailing. She faced a challenging childhood and had to take a break from performing for nearly a decade. In a new documentary, Shania herself opens up about the struggles she faced. Let’s dive into the incredible life of this singing sensation.
A Troubled Childhood and Family Tragedy
Shania, originally named Eileen Regina Edwards, was born on August 28, 1965, in Windsor, Canada. Her parents divorced when she was very young, and her mother, Sharon, remarried a man named Jerry, who belonged to the Ojibwa tribe. Shania and her siblings were adopted by Jerry, and she took on the name Eileen Twain.
Unfortunately, Shania’s childhood was far from happy. Her father subjected her to regular abuse, and her family faced financial difficulties. Despite these hardships, music and writing became an escape for Shania. She never sought help from authorities, fearing separation from her family. Shania shared, “I wanted to escape… when you’re hungry, you distract yourself from the hunger. A lot of kids play with dolls, and I played with words and sounds.”
From a young age, Shania showcased her talent for singing, playing guitar, and even songwriting. Her mother recognized her potential and made sacrifices to support her musical aspirations. Shania started performing at local clubs and events, helping her mother pay the bills. By the time she graduated from school in 1983, she knew she would head to Nashville to pursue her dreams as a country artist.
Sadly, tragedy struck in 1987 when Shania’s mother and stepfather passed away in a car accident. Devastated, Shania put her music career on hold and returned home to care for her siblings. It wasn’t until many years later that she began to process her grief and find the strength to move forward.
The Journey to Stardom
After years of perseverance, Shania got her big break in 1993 when she signed her first record deal with Polygram Records. That same year, she changed her name to “Shania,” an Ojibwa word meaning “on my way.” Her self-titled debut album may not have been a massive success, but it caught the attention of a significant figure in the industry.
Enter record producer Robert “Mutt” Lange, known for his work with AC/DC and Def Leppard. Mutt was impressed by Shania’s talent and collaborated with her on her second album, “The Woman in Me,” released in 1995. The album featured hit singles like “Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under” and “Any Man of Mine,” which climbed the country charts and sold over 12 million copies. Shania Twain was nominated for four Grammys and achieved worldwide fame with her third album, “Come On Over,” in 1997.
Notably, Shania Twain’s collaboration with Mutt Lange went beyond the professional realm. Love sparked between them, and they got married in 1993. They welcomed a son, Eja Lange, in 2001. However, their relationship faced challenges, and in 2009, Shania filed for divorce amidst rumors of Mutt’s affair with Marie-Anne Thiébaud, a close friend.
Despite the personal turmoil, Shania’s career continued to thrive. Unfortunately, more hurdles lay ahead.
Overcoming Setbacks and Rediscovering Her Voice
In 2003, Shania’s life took a drastic turn when she was bitten by a tick infected with Lyme Disease—an illness that took a toll on her physical and mental well-being. Shania experienced debilitating symptoms like dizziness and frequent blackouts while on stage. She feared she would never sing again.
The singer eventually developed a condition called dysphonia, which caused involuntary spasms in her voice box muscles, making it impossible for her to sing as she once did. Shania underwent multiple throat surgeries and struggled with depression during this challenging period. She even contemplated giving up on performing and focusing solely on her writing.
But determination and resilience defined Shania’s journey. For years, doctors struggled to identify the root cause of her voice problems until they discovered the link to Lyme Disease. After undergoing treatment and extensive rehabilitation, Shania slowly regained her voice, finding her way back to singing. She also found love once again, marrying Frédéric Thiébaud, the ex-husband of her former friend Marie-Anne Thiébaud.
In 2012, Shania kicked off her two-year residency at Ceasar’s Palace in Las Vegas, titled “Shania: Still the One.” The show became a tremendous success, earning her approximately $43 million over the course of two years. Today, Shania Twain boasts a net worth of around $400 million.
An Unstoppable Spirit
Despite the numerous setbacks and hardships she faced throughout her life, Shania Twain never gave up on her dreams. With a troubled childhood, the tragic loss of her parents, and debilitating health issues, she fought through it all to become the superstar she is today.
Shania’s inspiring journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and passion. Her story resonates with people of all ages, showing that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams and overcome any obstacle in your way.
Let’s celebrate the indomitable spirit of Shania Twain by sharing her remarkable story with friends and family. She is an icon who exemplifies the true essence of a superstar.
