Shania Twain shares how she helped Jon Bon Jovi before life-changing surgery
The country star reveals she warned Bon about the realities of the operation while encouraging him to consider every option
Shania Twain has opened up about supporting Jon Bon Jovi through one of the biggest decisions of his career after he turned to her for advice ahead of vocal cord surgery.
The country music icon, who underwent vocal fold medialization surgery in 2018 after experiencing vocal nerve damage linked to Lyme disease, revealed she shared her personal experience when Bon Jovi faced similar vocal issues in 2022.
Speaking to People, Twain said the pair first connected during an international flight, where they quickly discovered they shared a strong work ethic.
"He said, 'I've heard that you have the reputation of being the hardest-working artist in the industry. I have the same reputation,'" Twain recalled.
Years later, Bon Jovi contacted her after developing laryngeal nerve problems and asked how she had managed to return to performing.
"I shared my surgeon's information with him, my experience with him, and I encouraged him to weigh up all the scenarios," Twain said. "I told him that it worked for me, and I was honest."
Twain admitted she also warned the rocker about what the operation involved.
"I just have to be honest with you," she recalled telling him. "It's an open-throat surgery, and you have to be awake."
Although the procedure helped restore her ability to perform, Twain said her voice changed permanently.
"My voice has never been the same," she explained. "I'm way more gravelly. I have this rasp. I have more character."
Despite the changes, the singer said she has embraced her new sound and remains grateful she can still perform.
"I'm grateful that I can sing, I can hold a note, and I can be loud and proud," she said.
Twain also stressed that the surgery comes with no guarantees, making the decision especially difficult for performers.
"You have to be brave, and you have to make a choice," she said. "What do I have to lose?"
Bon Jovi previously praised Twain for helping him through the experience, calling her his "spirit sister" and crediting her reassurance with giving him the confidence to move forward with the procedure.
The two artists later reunited at the 2024 MusiCares Person of the Year Gala, where Twain honoured Bon Jovi with a performance of his hit song Bed of Roses.