Guide Note

Marie Ann Thiebaud was a longtime secretary for country singer Shania Twain and her husband, music producer Mutt Lange.

On May 15, 2008, Twain and Lange announced their separation. People magazine reported on May 20, 2008, that an affair between Lange and Theibaud might have facilitated the breakup - something Lange denies.

People reported on May 22, 2008 that Thiebaud was much more than an employee to Twain - she was a close friend. The magazine quotes an unidentified source as saying that the "two families would vacation and spend holidays together," and that Twain "considered Marie-Anne one of her best friends."

Fast Facts

1. Thiebaud worked as secretary and manager of Twain and Lange's chateau in Switzerland
2. Reportedly one of Twain's closest friends
3. Lange denies affair
4. Twain and Lange married 14 years, one child
5. Twain said to be "devastated"

Both Twain and Lange have been quiet about the reason for their separation. In a statement issued on May 15, 2008, the 59-year-old Lange called the breakup "unfortunate" and denies having an affair. But People quotes an unidentified source as saying "Mutt and Marie Ann left their spouses for each other and are still in a relationship."