Shania Twain and Frédéric Thiébaud reportedly knew each other through their families years before they began dating. Their friendship deepened as both marriages fell apart; Twain confirmed their relationship in August 2009, they announced their engagement in December 2010, and they married in Puerto Rico on January 1, 2011.
How Shania Twain and Frédéric Thiébaud met
Twain and Thiébaud’s connection reportedly began around 1990 through their families. In an April 9, 2025, timeline, ELLE, citing a People source, reported that Twain knew Thiébaud’s then-wife, Marie-Anne, and that the families vacationed and spent holidays together. The date comes from retrospective reporting rather than a contemporaneous account.
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2008: Their marriages break down
In 2008, Twain’s marriage to Robert “Mutt” Lange and Thiébaud’s marriage to Marie-Anne broke down. Later accounts reported an alleged affair between Lange and Marie-Anne; the sources cited here report the allegation, not an adjudicated finding.
ELLE says Twain later told Oprah that she turned to Thiébaud because he understood what she was going through. In describing that period, Twain framed their connection as mutual understanding amid painful changes, rather than as a romance that began with their first meeting.
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August 2009: Twain confirms they are dating
In August 2009, Twain publicly confirmed that she and Thiébaud were dating, according to CBS News’ republication of Associated Press coverage. ELLE reports that Twain called him “a dear friend and true gentleman” in a message to fans and said he understood her better than anyone because they had experienced similar family suffering.
December 2010: They announce their engagement
On December 21, 2010, Twain announced their engagement on her website. ELLE reproduced her announcement, in which she described Thiébaud as a compassionate, understanding friend and said their friendship had grown into love:
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“I am excited to share some personal news with you; I’m in love! Frederic Nicolas Thiebaud has been a true gift to me as a compassionate, understanding friend and over time, an amazing love has blossomed from this precious friendship. Fred and I are happy to announce our ENGAGEMENT!”
January 1, 2011: They marry in Puerto Rico
Twain and Thiébaud married on January 1, 2011, in Rincón, Puerto Rico. The contemporaneous AP report republished by CBS News said the ceremony was attended by 40 close family members and friends. ELLE quoted a representative describing a sunset ceremony followed by an emotional celebration.
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May 2011: Twain describes a friendship that grew closer
While promoting her autobiography, From This Moment On, Twain spoke about their bond during a May 2011 appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. ELLE quoted her saying, “We slowly became very, very good friends,” and describing how the two supported each other through a difficult emotional period. Readers seeking Twain’s own account of her life around this time can look to the memoir; the sources cited here establish its publication and promotion, not its current availability or edition.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.2026: Twain reflects on their marriage
In an interview recap published August 8, 2026, Woman & Home reported Twain saying, “This is the love I’m going to grow old with and it’s a beautiful feeling.” She also credited keeping communication open as helpful to their relationship. These are Twain’s reflections on her marriage, not an independent assessment of it.
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At a glance
- Reported first connection: Around 1990, through their families.
- Dating confirmed: August 2009.
- Engagement announced: December 21, 2010.
- Wedding: January 1, 2011, in Rincón, Puerto Rico.
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