She’s the best-selling female artist in country music history. Men adored her, women idolized her, and she became a global superstar in no time at all.

Shania Twain, the best-selling female artist in country music history, rose to global stardom as the “Queen of Country Pop” in the ’90s. However, behind her success lies a challenging past. Born Eilleen Regina Edwards, she faced poverty in rural Canada after her mother’s remarriage to Jerry Twain. Shania endured hardships, including wearing bread bags on her feet during winters due to financial struggles.

Living in a turbulent household, Shania entered “survivor mode” and started singing at bars by age eight to support her family. Despite her difficult journey, she gained exposure on the Tommy Hunter Show at 13. In the mid-’80s, she moved to Toronto to pursue her music career.

Tragedy struck in 1987 when Shania lost her parents in a car accident. Devastated, she returned to care for her younger siblings, temporarily putting her music dreams aside. Eventually, she landed a job at Deerhurst Resort, reigniting her passion for music. In 1993, she released her self-titled debut album, marking the beginning of her road to stardom.