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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Entertainment
Tina Campbell

Shania Twain reflects on being told Lyme disease meant she might never sing again

Shania Twain reveals what it was like to be told she might never sing again

(Picture: Getty Images for Universal Music)

Shania Twain has recalled the “depressing and devastating” realisation she was told she may never sing again after contracting Lyme disease and having open-throat surgery.

The country music queen, 57, contracted the tick-borne illness in 2003, and her voice was damaged by the effects of dysphonia as a result.

Appearing on Thursday’s episode of ITV’s Lorraine, Twain was drawn on the subject as she promoted latest album Queen of Me, which is the first album she has released since the procedure on her voice.

The Canadian superstar said: “It was quite depressing and devastating that to imagine that.

“Even speaking has been difficult with the Lyme disease. Now I’m just feeling so grateful that I can sing and express myself.

“And this now is my first album since the operation on my voice.”

Touching on the scary medical proceedure she had to undergo, she said: “You have to be awake while they do it. I was more afraid of never singing again than getting through the operation.’

“The reason you have to be awake for the operation is that you have to sing during it so they know exactly what to do.”

(ITV)

Enthusing about her new music to the Scottish TV host, Twain described it as a “celebration”.

She said: “It’s very free spirited I’d say, it was very fun.

“I guess now I’m just feeling really comfortable in my own skin, it took me a while, I wish I’d gotten there sooner in my life, but better now than never.”

Adding: “This is my celebration album and it’s about celebrating music, being happy and putting myself great spirits!”

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