Shania Twain Reveals the Secret to Her 15-Year Marriage to Frédéric Thiébaud

Shania Twain is pulling back the curtain on what's kept her marriage to Frédéric Thiébaud strong for the past 15 years.

The country music icon said the biggest key to their relationship isn't grand romantic gestures or elaborate date nights. It's communication.

"He's really good at reminding both of us that we have to keep communication open," Twain told People. "He's the greatest talker, and he's not inhibited at all with expressing his feelings, which is really wonderful in a man."

Twain said Thiébaud is comfortable talking through problems as soon as they come up — something that doesn't always come naturally to her.

Read More: Shania Twain Says Trying to Stay Thin Left Her Malnourished

"If you have a man that is really open and wants to keep the communication open, you're blessed as a woman," she added.

They Balance Each Other

While Thiébaud prefers to work through issues right away, Twain said her instinct is to step back before having a difficult conversation.

Jason Merritt, Getty Images

She said she's more likely to "meditate over the issue, take a walk or be alone with my guitar" if something is bothering her.

Read More: Shania Twain's Album 'Little Miss Twain' Pays Tribute to Her Mom

Despite their different approaches, Twain said keeping the lines of communication open has helped their relationship thrive.

Married for 15 Years

Twain and Thiébaud began dating in 2009 after both went through highly publicized divorces. They became engaged in late 2010 and married on New Year's Day 2011 in Puerto Rico.

Looking back, Twain said she believes they were always meant to find each other.

"It just takes sometimes years to find that person," she said, adding that if they'd met as teenagers, Thiébaud still would have been her "lifelong love."

Get our free mobile app

After 15 years together, Twain said keeping the lines of communication open remains the foundation of their marriage.