In a recent interview with Billboard, Shania Twain shared an incredibly inspiring story of resilience and determination. The singer-songwriter revealed a setlist for her upcoming 2023 tour that she never thought she would sing again. It’s a testament to the incredible journey she has been on to get back to performing.
Shania’s days are now filled with long hours of practice and overseeing every aspect of her tour, from lighting to costumes. It’s a demanding schedule, but Shania is more than capable of taking it on. She has faced hardships that would break many people, and yet she has emerged stronger than ever.
From a young age, Shania’s life has been far from easy. She experienced poverty as a child and had to fight against the patriarchal attitudes in the male-dominated music industry. But she never let these challenges deter her. Her recent album’s release and return to the stage after a period that would have been a death sentence for most musicians showcase her unbreakable spirit.
Shania’s journey began with a difficult birth. In her autobiography, “From This Moment On,” she revealed that the doctor gave her mother a cigarette during labor. Tragically, her first daughter passed away after a traumatic breech birth. Against all odds, the infant took a breath for the first time but couldn’t overcome the complications.
Shania’s parents divorced when she was a young child, and she couldn’t help but wonder about her absent father. Despite her mother’s reassurances, she questioned whether he thought about her and what he thought of her. It was a lingering uncertainty that stayed with her.
When her mother remarried, Shania welcomed her stepfather, Jerry Twain, into her life. Though he had a playful personality and always had jokes and pranks up his sleeve, Shania soon realized that her parents had a violent relationship. It was a challenging environment to grow up in.
Shania has been open about the poverty she experienced during her childhood. She spoke about the difficulties of not having warm clothing or waterproof boots in the cold Canadian winters. She even had to come up with excuses for skipping lunch. Despite her stepfather’s employment in low-wage jobs, the family struggled financially, and it sometimes escalated into physical violence.
One incident Shania shared was when her stepfather slammed her mother’s head against the side of a basin, knocking her unconscious. It was likely that her mother had been nagging him about the lack of grocery money. This was just one example of the violence that occurred within their home.
It took a toll on Shania and her sisters, and one night, as their stepfather was placing her mother’s head in the toilet bowl, they ran to the porch and screamed for help. The police were called, and the fighting stopped, but they knew it wouldn’t be the last time. It was a heartbreaking realization.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-7233. They provide tools, resources, and assistance to those in need. Remember, you are never alone.
Shania Twain’s story is one of triumph over tragedy. It’s a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of perseverance. Despite the hardships she has faced, she continues to inspire others with her music and her unwavering determination.