With hits like "Man! I Feel Like a Woman," Shania Twain has created some of country music's biggest empowerment anthems for women.
She's doubling down on those themes of self-love and self-acceptance with her upcoming Queen of Me album, a project she says is a statement of self-confidence. "I want to carry a clear message, particularly as a woman, to always remember my power and I hope the songs are a reminder to you, of that same power inside you!" she said when she announced the album.
But the singer didn't always feel comfortable in her own skin. As a kid, she suffered physical and sexual abuse from her since-deceased stepfather, Jerry Twain.
"I hid myself and I would flatten my boobs," Shania tells The Sunday Times, speaking about how she tried to defend herself from the abuse. "I would wear bras that were too small for me, play it down until there was nothing girl about me. Make it easier to go unnoticed."
If you are affected by abuse and needing support, or know someone who is, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).You can also chat online at thehotline.org or online.rainn.org, respectively.