Shania Twain, the celebrated country music star, recently opened up about her life and relationships 15 years after her divorce from Robert “Mutt” Lange. In a candid conversation on the “Armchair Expert” podcast, hosted by Dax Shepard, Twain shared her journey of overcoming betrayal and finding new love.
Reflecting on her past, Twain, now 57, recounted the shock she experienced upon discovering her husband’s affair with her then-friend, Marie-Anne Thiebaud. “Once life was going so well, I settled too well into that, almost forgetting that you never know what’s around the next corner. That hit me hard,” she admitted. The affair and subsequent divorce were more challenging than she had anticipated, shaking her to her core.
How Did Twain Find a New Chapter with Frédéric Thiébaud?
In an unexpected twist of fate, Twain found love again with Frédéric Thiébaud, the ex-husband of her former friend. Shepard, initially hesitant to bring up this sensitive topic, was reassured by Twain’s openness. “It’s not embarrassing,” she said, reflecting on how their paths converged.
Twain and Lange had worked closely on several of her best-selling albums before their split in 2008. The affair allegations not only ended their marriage but also brought Twain and Frédéric closer together. Twain explained that prior to the affair revelation, she and Frédéric had minimal interaction. “I did not get close to Fred at all; we didn’t have each other’s numbers,” she recalled. Their relationship blossomed as they supported each other through their respective divorces. “He was so thoughtful about it all. … It was not cool with him, but he was smarter about it,” Twain shared, highlighting Frédéric’s compassionate and intelligent approach.
How Did Twain Transition from Pain to Partnership?
Twain admitted that the betrayal left her deeply affected. “I was uncontrollably fragile over it,” she said, describing the immense pain she felt after believing she had finally achieved stability in her life. Frédéric’s calm and intelligent demeanor played a crucial role in helping Twain navigate her emotions. “He was so thoughtful about it all,” Twain noted, emphasizing how his support was instrumental in her healing process.
How Did Twain Cope with Anger?
Twain expressed her struggle with the anger and betrayal she felt. “I allowed myself to trust too much. … I did let my guard down too much,” she confessed. The infidelity hurt her not just because of the act itself, but because of the lies involved. “The anger comes a lot from my childhood too because I’m thinking, ‘Man, you can do anything to me, but if you f—king lie, like, right to my f—king face? Now, I’m so angry.’”
What Helped Twain Move Forward?
Despite the pain, Twain found solace in knowing that Frédéric had experienced a similar betrayal. “Fred’s so smart. This is one of the smartest people I know [and] he didn’t know either. That helped me feel better,” she said. Twain emphasized the importance of trust and how challenging it was to rebuild after such a profound betrayal. The shared experience and mutual understanding between Twain and Frédéric helped them move forward together.
How Do Twain and Mutt Lange Co-Parent?
Twain confirmed that Lange and Marie-Anne are still together. However, she and Lange maintain a strictly business-like relationship, communicating only about their son, Eja, born in 2001. “We’ll just text. We both love our son so much, so we don’t play any games like that. We have the same priority; we share spaces for him,” Twain explained. She highlighted their mutual commitment to parenting without unnecessary drama, ensuring a stable environment for their son.
How Has Twain Found Happiness Again?
Twain concluded her reflections on a positive note, expressing her happiness with Frédéric. “I got what I deserve — I got the greatest man on the planet,” she said, appreciating the joy and stability she has found. Despite the hardships, Twain’s journey from betrayal to a happy and stable relationship serves as an inspiration to many. Her candid reflections offer a glimpse into her strength and resilience in overcoming life’s unexpected challenges.
Shania Twain’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and the possibility of finding love after heartbreak. Her journey, marked by betrayal and new beginnings, underscores the importance of hope, trust, and the unwavering belief in the possibility of a better future. Twain’s candid reflections on the “Armchair Expert” podcast provide a heartening narrative of strength and transformation, inspiring those facing similar challenges.