Canada’s biggest star Shania Twain – from poverty to fame
Shania Twain: From Poverty to Global Stardom
Born Eilleen Regina Edwards in 1965 in Windsor, Ontario, Shania Twain grew up in poverty in the small town of Timmins. Her childhood was marked by hardship, including an abusive stepfather and frequent struggles to afford basic needs. By age 8, she was already performing in bars to help support her family.
Her mother, who recognized Shania’s talent, encouraged her from a young age. At 22, tragedy struck when both her mother and stepfather died in a car crash, leaving Shania to care for her younger siblings. She paused her music ambitions and took a singing job at Deerhurst Resort to support them.
There, she refined her stage presence and caught the attention of industry professionals. Her big break came in the early 1990s after signing with Mercury Nashville. Her 1995 album The Woman in Me brought her Grammy-winning success, but it was 1997’s Come On Over that made her a global icon, producing hits like “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” and “You’re Still the One.”
Despite career success, Shania faced health and personal challenges. Lyme disease in the early 2000s damaged her vocal cords, requiring years of therapy. In 2008, her marriage to producer Mutt Lange ended after a betrayal, but she later found love with Frédéric Thiébaud, whom she married in 2011.
Shania Twain’s journey is one of resilience and strength. From a difficult childhood to becoming one of the best-selling female artists of all time, her story continues to inspire millions worldwide.
