The Ultimate Betrayal: Who Was Shania Twain's 'Best Friend' And How She Found An Unlikely New Love

The story of Shania Twain’s "best friend" is not a tale of loyalty and laughter, but rather one of the most shocking celebrity betrayals in modern music history. As of late 2025, the legendary country-pop star continues to speak openly about the incident that shattered her first marriage and redefined her understanding of trust, a chapter that ultimately led her to an unexpected, enduring love. This deep dive explores the infamous scandal, the key players involved, and how the Queen of Country has rebuilt her inner circle and her life.

The core of the story revolves around a painful spouse-swap that saw Twain’s then-husband, music producer Robert "Mutt" Lange, leave her for her longtime close friend and personal assistant, Marie-Anne Thiébaud. The emotional fallout was immense, but it set the stage for a remarkable twist of fate: Twain found solace and eventual romance with the man who was also betrayed, Marie-Anne’s ex-husband, Frédéric Thiébaud.

The Key Players in the Unthinkable Betrayal: Biography Profiles

The narrative of Shania Twain’s life changed forever in 2008 when she discovered the affair between her husband and her closest confidante. Here are the biographical profiles of the three pivotal figures in this dramatic relationship saga.

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• Marie-Anne Thiébaud (The 'Best Friend' Turned Betrayer)
  • Role: Former personal assistant, secretary, and estate manager for Shania Twain and Mutt Lange.
  • Nationality: Swiss.
  • Personal Life: Was married to Frédéric Thiébaud, a Swiss business executive, with whom she has a daughter.
  • Relationship with Twain: Marie-Anne was considered one of Shania’s closest friends and an integral part of her household in Switzerland. The betrayal was described by Twain as a devastating blindside.
  • Current Status: She reportedly remains with Robert "Mutt" Lange, though they keep a very low public profile.
• Robert "Mutt" Lange (The Ex-Husband)
  • Role: Legendary music producer, known for working with AC/DC, Def Leppard, and Bryan Adams.
  • Nationality: South African.
  • Marriage to Twain: Married Shania Twain in 1993, and they co-wrote her most iconic, best-selling albums, including The Woman in Me and Come On Over. They have one son, Eja D’Angelo.
  • Current Status: He and Twain co-parent their son via text messages, and Twain has stated in recent interviews that she holds no hate for him, describing the affair as a "mistake he has to live with."
• Frédéric Thiébaud (The Husband and True 'Best Friend')
  • Role: Swiss business executive, reportedly a Nestlé executive running operations in Switzerland.
  • Nationality: Swiss.
  • Marriage to Twain: Married Shania Twain on January 1, 2011, in Puerto Rico.
  • Relationship with Twain: He was initially a close friend, bonding with Shania over their shared heartbreak. Twain has called him a "compassionate, understanding friend" who later became an "amazing love." He is now her husband and closest confidant.

The Shocking Discovery and the Unlikely Path to Love

The affair was discovered in 2008, a moment Shania Twain has described as feeling like a death. The two couples were close, living near each other in Switzerland, and Marie-Anne was a trusted member of Twain’s inner circle and staff.

The betrayal was not just romantic; it was a profound violation of friendship and professional trust. Marie-Anne Thiébaud was not merely a casual acquaintance; she was Shania’s secretary and house manager at their chateau.

Twain and Frédéric Thiébaud, both reeling from the discovery that their respective spouses were having an affair with each other, began spending time together. They were two people bonded by an almost unbelievable shared trauma.

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This shared experience was the foundation of their relationship. They "slowly became very, very good friends," Shania recalled, spending months trying to make sense of everything and "holding each other up." This period of mutual support allowed a genuine, deep friendship to blossom, which eventually turned into romance.

Frédéric Thiébaud was the emotional anchor Shania needed, transforming from a fellow victim of betrayal into a compassionate friend and, finally, her husband. Their marriage in 2011 was the ultimate poetic justice, a testament to finding "undeniable love" after devastating heartbreak.

Shania’s Current Perspective on Friendship and Forgiveness in 2025

Despite the painful past, Shania Twain has demonstrated remarkable emotional resilience and a forward-looking perspective, which she continues to share in recent interviews and her music.

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The Power of Forgiveness and Moving On

Twain has repeatedly stated that she does not "hate" her ex-husband, Robert "Mutt" Lange. While she hasn't fully forgiven him for the infidelity, she has reached a place of acceptance, choosing not to hold onto a grudge. This mature approach to the past allows her to focus on her current happiness with Frédéric and her career.

The drama of the affair is now a footnote in her life, a powerful lesson that ultimately led her to a stronger, more authentic relationship. Twain's ability to turn a devastating situation into a positive outcome is a key part of her enduring appeal.

The New Anthem for True Friendship: 'Best Friend'

In a powerful contrast to the betrayal story, Shania Twain released a track titled "Best Friend" on her 2023 album, Queen of Me. This recent song serves as a beautiful, modern-day statement on what true friendship means to her now.

The lyrics of "Shania Twain - Best Friend (lyrics)" talk about unconditional support and a bond that reminds you where you belong. The very existence of a song titled "Best Friend" in her current catalog, years after the Marie-Anne Thiébaud scandal, shows a profound healing and a renewed faith in the concept of a trusted confidante.

It’s a clear sign that while the past was painful, it did not destroy her capacity for deep, meaningful connections. Her current "best friend" is undoubtedly her husband, Frédéric, who proved his loyalty and compassion during their darkest hours.

The Takeaway: From Betrayal to Unbreakable Bond

The saga of Shania Twain’s "best friend" is a complex narrative of betrayal, heartbreak, and ultimate redemption. It serves as a powerful reminder that sometimes, the greatest love stories emerge from the most painful circumstances.

While Marie-Anne Thiébaud will forever be linked to the scandal, Frédéric Thiébaud is the man who truly embodies the title of Shania Twain’s best friend. He was a compassionate partner in grief who became an unbreakable companion in life. Their relationship is a testament to the idea that true friendship—the kind built on shared vulnerability and mutual respect—is the strongest foundation for lasting love.

Shania Twain continues to thrive, embracing her life and career with a renewed sense of confidence. Her ability to navigate such a public and personal crisis, and to emerge with a positive outlook, cements her status not just as a music icon, but as a symbol of resilience.