Shania Twain Biography Shania Twain born Eilleen Regina Edwards on August 28, 1965, in Timmins, Ontario is a Canadian singer-songwriter who has sold over 100 million records, making her one of the best-selling music artists of all time and the top-selling female artist in country music history. Her remarkable success has earned her several titles, including the “Queen of Country Pop,” and Billboard recognized her as the leader of the 1990s country-pop crossover stars. Twain started pursuing singing and songwriting at a young age before signing with Mercury Nashville Records in the early 1990s. Her debut studio album, Shania Twain (1993), was initially a commercial disappointment. However, after collaborating with producer and future husband Robert John “Mutt” Lange, she achieved widespread success with her second album, The Woman in Me (1995).
Shania Twain Biography
Shania Twain was born Eilleen Regina Edwards in 1965 in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, the third of three daughters to Clarence and Sharon (Morrison) Edwards. Her sister Jill is two years older, and Carrie-Ann is three years younger. When Shania was six, her mother remarried Jerry Twain, a full-blooded Ojibwa native from Timmins, Ontario, who adopted her. As a child, she began singing in bars after hours, and by the age of 13, she made an appearance on The Tommy Hunter Show (1965). Tragically, when she was 22, her parents were killed in an accident, and Shania became the legal guardian of her half-brothers (Mark, 13, and Darryl, 14) and her sister, which led her to pause her music career to care for her family.
Shania Twain Biography Details
| Born | Eilleen Regina Edwards August 28, 1965 (age 59) Windsor, Ontario, Canada |
| Other names | Eilleen Twain |
| Occupations | · Singer · songwriter |
| Years active | 1983–present |
| Spouses | Robert John “Mutt” Lange (m. 1993; div. 2010) Frédéric Thiébaud (m. 2011) |
| Children | 1 |
| Category | Singers Bio |
About Shania Twain
Eilleen Regina “Shania” Twain OC is a Canadian singer-songwriter. She has sold over 100 million records, making her one of the best-selling music artists of all time and the best-selling female artist in country music history. Her success garnered her several titles, including the “Queen of Country Pop”.
- Born: 28 August 1965 (age 59 years), Windsor, Canada
- Spouse: Frédéric Thiébaud (m. 2011), Robert John Lange (m. 1993–2010)
- Children: Eja Lange
- Nationality: Canadian
- Height: 63 m
Early life
Shania Twain was born Eilleen Regina Edwards on August 28, 1965, in Windsor, Ontario, to Sharon (née Morrison) and Clarence Edwards. She has two sisters, Jill and Carrie Ann. When Shania was two years old, her parents divorced, and her mother moved with her daughters to Timmins, Ontario. Sharon later remarried Jerry Twain, an Ojibwa from the nearby Mattagami First Nation, and they had a son, Mark. Jerry adopted Shania and her sisters, changing their surname to Twain. When Mark was a toddler, Jerry and Sharon also adopted Jerry’s baby nephew, Darryl, after his mother passed away. Due to her connection with Jerry, some media outlets have incorrectly reported that Shania is of Ojibwa descent. When asked why she didn’t publicly acknowledge her biological father for many years, Shania explained.
Shania Twain’s Rise to Fame
Born Eilleen Regina “Shania” Twain, Shania had a tough childhood, performing in bars from the age of 8 to help her family make ends meet. By 13, she performed on CBC’s The Tommy Hunter Show, and joined a local band called Longshot. After the band disbanded, she joined Flirt and toured with them. By 1984, Toronto DJ Stan Campbell took notice of her talent and featured her vocals on his album Heavy on the Sunshine.
However, in 1987, a heartbreaking tragedy struck as both her mother and stepfather died in a car accident, leaving Shania to care for her siblings. She continued to perform to support her family until they were able to live independently. Once she no longer had to care for them, she focused on creating her demo tape, which eventually led to a recording contract with Mercury Nashville. This marked the beginning of her career, and she even changed her name to “Shania” before releasing her debut album in 1993, which garnered positive reviews but didn’t make a significant commercial impact.
The Big Break: Come On Over
In 1997, Shania released Come On Over, which would become the best-selling country album of all time, and the highest-selling album by a female artist in any genre. Twelve singles were released from the album, including hits like “You’re Still the One,” “From This Moment On,” “That Don’t Impress Me Much,” and “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” The album earned her even more Grammys, cementing her as both a country and mainstream pop star.
Why Is Shania Twain So Wealthy?
Shania’s wealth is a result of her crossover success. She is one of the top 15 richest singers globally, having sold over 100 million records. Her music resonated not only with country fans but also with pop audiences, which expanded her reach and sales potential. Beyond album sales, Twain has enjoyed financial success through her Las Vegas residencies, where she reportedly earns up to $1 million per show. Her songwriting royalties also continue to contribute to her income, especially from her extensive back catalog of hits.
How Successful Was Shania Twain?
Shania’s success lies in her ability to blend country and pop music seamlessly, appealing to a broader fanbase. Her stunning visuals in music videos and strong stage presence also helped connect with both male and female fans. Her songs resonated beyond country charts and earned her a place in mainstream music history.
Shania Twain’s Earnings per Show
Shania can earn up to $1 million per show during her Las Vegas residencies, which is a significant income boost. Her earnings from tours are similar, although a tour has additional expenses due to travel.
Does Shania Twain Own Horses?
Yes, Shania Twain reportedly owns at least five horses, including three Tennessee Walking Horses and two Saddlebreds. One of her horses even appeared in the 2020 ACM Presents: Our Country special.
Who Is Bigger: Shania Twain or Taylor Swift?
While Taylor Swift has outsold Shania by about 100 million albums and has surpassed some of Shania’s chart records, Shania remains the best-selling female country artist, with Come On Over still holding the record for the highest-selling album by a female artist in any genre. Shania’s legacy in country music paved the way for artists like Taylor Swift, whose career owes much to the country-pop crossover movement Shania pioneered.
Shania Twain’s Net Worth in 2025
As of 2025, Shania Twain’s net worth is estimated at a staggering $400 million. Her immense fortune comes from her years of success as a singer, songwriter, and performer. Come On Over, which sold over 40 million copies worldwide, played a key role in this wealth.