Shania Twain — How Canada’s biggest star went from poverty to fame

Shania Twain is a worldwide superstar today, but her journey to fame was anything but easy. Growing up in poverty, facing family hardships, and overcoming personal trauma, she proved that resilience and talent could change a life.

Born in Timmins, Ontario, Twain was raised in a household where money was always scarce. Her stepfather, who worked in reforestation, struggled to provide for the family. Her mother battled depression, and with five children in the house, Twain learned early on how to live without basic necessities like food, heating, and electricity.

At school, she noticed how different her life was from her classmates. She often went without lunch, secretly hoping others would leave food behind. Instead of admitting she had no food, she would tell teachers she had forgotten her lunch at home or in her locker.

Finding escape through music

Music became Twain’s escape from her harsh reality. She would retreat to the forest with her guitar, light a small fire, and sing, allowing her voice to take her away from her struggles.

Recognizing her talent, her mother encouraged her to perform in local bars. At just eight years old, Twain was singing late at night, only allowed inside after alcohol had been served. By age 11, she obtained a permit to perform earlier, but she didn’t start getting paid until she was 14.

To help support her family, she took a job at McDonald’s, calling it her “saving grace” because it provided regular meals—something she had never known before. Her days were exhausting: school, then work at McDonald’s, followed by late-night singing gigs.

Facing family trauma

Twain’s struggles weren’t just financial. Her stepfather, who legally adopted her and her siblings, was abusive. She recalled moments of self-defense, once even throwing a chair at him. But beyond the physical violence, Twain also endured a darker trauma—at just ten years old, she became a victim of sexual abuse by her stepfather. She kept the pain buried for years before she was able to speak about it publicly.

At 22, another tragedy struck—her parents died in a car accident. As the second eldest, Twain took on the responsibility of raising her younger siblings.

Stepping up for her family

Determined to keep the family together, she accepted a singing job at a nearby resort. The job provided a small home for her and her siblings, but life remained tough. She had to wake up early to chop wood for heat, get her siblings to school, and then perform late into the night.

Despite the pressure, Twain maintained a polished image as a performer, even though she had never before focused on herself.

A breakthrough in music

As her siblings became independent, Twain finally had time to focus on her own career. She recorded a demo and sent it to record labels, eventually catching the attention of Mercury Nashville. This was the beginning of her rise to fame.

She soon met renowned music producer Robert “Mutt” Lange, and their collaboration turned romantic. Together, they developed her signature sound, co-writing and producing her music. Her career skyrocketed, and she became a global sensation.

Battling health struggles

At the height of her success, Twain noticed issues with her voice. It took nearly a decade before she was diagnosed with Lyme disease, which affected her vocal cords. She had to undergo surgery and took a break from music. Although her voice became raspier, she embraced the change and continued performing.
Personal heartbreak and finding love again

While her professional life was thriving, her personal life took a devastating turn. Twain discovered that her husband, Lange, was having an affair with Marie-Anne Thiébaud, a close friend and former secretary.

During this painful time, she found an unexpected ally in Marie-Anne’s husband, Frédéric Thiébaud. Their shared heartbreak brought them closer, and their friendship eventually turned into love. In 2011, Twain and Thiébaud married, beginning a new chapter together.

A story of resilience

Despite the hardships she faced—poverty, abuse, loss, illness, and betrayal—Shania Twain never gave up. She remains one of the most successful country artists of all time, inspiring millions with her music and story.

She has since expressed that she holds no resentment toward her ex-husband, acknowledging the impact he had on her career and the son they share.

Twain’s journey is a testament to strength, perseverance, and the power of music to heal. Her story proves that even in the face of adversity, it is possible to rise, succeed, and find happiness.

Share this story with fellow Shania Twain fans who may not know the incredible journey behind her success!