Shania Twain is a globally recognized star, but her journey to fame was anything but easy. Born in Timmins, Ontario, she grew up in poverty. With five children in the family, money was tight, and her stepfather’s low-paying job made life even harder. Her mother battled depression, and Shania often went without food or heating.

To support her family, she began singing in bars at just eight years old. By 14, she was also working at McDonald’s to help make ends meet. Her home life was difficult, marked by her stepfather’s abuse. At 10, she endured sexual abuse, a trauma she kept hidden for years.

At 22, tragedy struck when her parents died in a car accident, leaving Shania responsible for her younger siblings. She took a singing job at a local resort, balancing work and caregiving. Eventually, she sent demo tapes to record labels and landed a deal with Mercury Nashville, launching her career.

Despite vocal struggles from Lyme disease and personal heartbreak, including a painful divorce, she persevered. She remarried in 2011 and continues to thrive in music. Her story is one of resilience and triumph.