She Grew Up Poor And Took Care Of Her Siblings After Her Parents Died But Now She’s A Global Superstar

Country-pop superstar Shania Twain is opening up about the hardships that shaped her life long before she became one of music’s best-selling artists. Known worldwide for hits like *“Man! I Feel Like a Woman!”* and *“You’re Still the One,”* the 60-year-old singer recently shared the painful experiences that forced her to grow up faster than most teenagers ever could.

In 1987, Twain’s mother, Sharon Morrison, and stepfather, Jerry Twain, tragically died in a car crash. At just 22, Shania suddenly became the caretaker for her younger siblings. “It was touch and go for me at that time,” she recalled. “I didn’t have the right clothes for the weather, I got frostbite more than once. I hauled water from the river, washed clothes by hand, and chopped wood. The pressure was overwhelming — and I barely slept.”

Those early struggles left deep scars but also forged a resilience that would carry her to superstardom. Twain contrasted her humble beginnings with the dramatic lifestyle fame brought. “I went from sleeping in cars to flying first class. It’s only now that I can really say I’m enjoying it all.”

This weekend, Twain is set to perform at Glastonbury Festival in the prestigious “Legends” slot, a stage previously graced by Dolly Parton, Diana Ross, and Kenny Rogers. “To be asked to follow in their footsteps is surreal,” she told the BBC. “I just want to give the fans the show they deserve, filled with the hits they love.”

Even amid career highs, Twain hasn’t forgotten the toll her journey took. On the *How To Fail* podcast, she spoke about her “scars” — some visible, many not. “I have scars from working in the bush, from cooking, and from emotional wounds. My childhood was tough, and later I went through throat surgery. But all of it made me who I am, and I wear those scars proudly.”

Growing up in poverty in rural Canada, Twain’s household was often unstable, with scarce food and constant turmoil. She channeled her emotions into songwriting, turning raw experiences into lyrics that carry hope and healing.

Twain also reflected on her evolution as a performer, noting that early in her career she felt self-conscious about showing her body. “The *‘Man! I Feel Like a Woman!’* video was the first time I ever showed my legs,” she laughed. Today, she embraces her confidence fully.

For Shania Twain, every challenge — from childhood hardship to global fame — has been part of a journey of survival, growth, and reinvention. With Glastonbury ahead, she’s ready to write her next unforgettable chapter.