If there’s one thing Shania Twain knows, it’s perseverance. As she embarks on a whirlwind tour across North America this summer, fans are thrilled to hear her belt out those iconic hits. But behind the scenes, Shania has faced some serious challenges that most people don’t even know about. “I had to come to terms with losing the voice I once knew and learn to embrace the new one I’ve discovered,” Shania shares candidly. It’s a journey of resilience and reinvention that speaks volumes about her strength as an artist and as a person.
Discovering a New Normal After a Tick Bite
Back in 2003, everything changed for Shania when she was bitten by a tick. What followed was a battle with Lyme disease, which left her dealing with dysphonia—a rare condition causing vocal cord muscle paralysis. “When you’re a singer, your voice is everything. Losing control over it felt like losing a part of myself,” recalls Shania, now 53. To regain her singing ability, she underwent two grueling throat surgeries and began working closely with a voice therapist. “Through therapy, I’ve learned how to adapt my technique so my voice can do what I need it to, even if it’s not exactly the same as before,” she explains. This journey wasn’t just about physical recovery—it was also an emotional one, requiring immense patience and determination.
A Fighter Through Every Challenge
Acceptance wasn’t immediate for Shania, but she’s always been known for her tenacity. “Shania was off the road for more than eight years after contracting Lyme disease. During that time, she also went through a painful split from her first husband, Mutt Lange,” recalls a close friend. “There were days when she wondered why life seemed to throw so much at her. But instead of letting it break her, she chose to fight back.”
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Turning Pain Into Strength
Shania didn’t wallow in self-pity for long. Instead, she focused on healing emotionally and rebuilding her life. “I survived those tough times, and now I’m ready to move forward,” she says. “Life is all about change, and sometimes we have to let go of who we used to be in order to embrace who we’re becoming.” Along the way, she found solace in her relationship with Frederic Thiebaud, the ex-husband of the woman who ended her marriage to Mutt. “Frederic has been incredibly supportive throughout this entire journey,” says the friend. “He’s kind, encouraging, and always there to listen. Without him, Shania might never have found the strength to reclaim her career.”
A New Chapter: Embracing the Journey
In 2017, Shania released her album Now, marking her first musical release in 15 years. It was a testament to her resilience and adaptability. Now, she’s announcing a new Las Vegas residency set to begin in December. “I’m fully embracing this next chapter,” she says. “It’s been a long and incredibly rewarding journey, and I couldn’t be more excited about what’s ahead.”
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