Shania Twain Shares Joy Over Engagement in Personal Letter

In a very personal, open letter to fans on her website, the newly-engaged Shania Twain has opened wide her once broken heart to reveal the love, peace and happiness that now fill it.

"I've spent much time over the course of this past year, learning about others who have suffered loss in their lives and taken inspiration from how they've managed to overcome it," Shania writes. "I'm learning that grief and the suffering of loss, challenges me to be more sensitive and understanding of others and also more accepting of my own struggles. Challenge reminds me how important it is to let those who love me, care for me when I need it. The support of others has helped me to move forward less fearful of change, allowing me to embrace the beauty of life today, and remain more open to whatever it brings tomorrow."

For Shania, 'tomorrow' has slowly but surely revealed over the course of the last couple of years an unexpected new beginning ... born of the love and support those around her have provided, following her unexpectedly shattered 14-year marriage to rock producer, Mutt Lange.

"The people who make my life the most joyful are the ones I am able to lean on because of my own humanness," she continues in her letter. "In the last two and a half years of adjusting to life after separation and divorce, I needed to lean on others more often than I was accustomed to. These people have been gifts, and I am fortunate to have so many of these beautiful people -- friends, family and beloved fans, whose support I cherish more deeply with each day that passes. Now another year is about to pass, and I would like to thank everyone who helped me believe that new beginnings are possible and that love can be trusted. Thank you!"

Shania closes her letter by spilling from her pen her most personal joy over her engagement to the man who has stood by her side through her darkest hours these last couple of years, following her divorce.

"2010 is leaving me with a renewed faith in love and commitment," she writes, waxing blissfully serene. "I believe in the right to be loved and the blessing of being able to love in return. Talking about love, I am excited to share some personal news with you; I'm in love! Frederic Nicolas Thiebaud has been a true gift to me as a compassionate, understanding friend and over time, an amazing love has blossomed from this precious friendship. Fred and I are happy to announce, our ENGAGEMENT!

"Love, peace and happiness is taking me in to 2011 and I'm feeling refreshed and optimistic about the future," Shania finishes her letter. "I'm looking forward to what the new year has in store and to sharing it with you. So, I'll be in touch with more news and details soon. Until then, have a fantastic holiday season and I wish you love. Sincerely, Shania"

In January, Shania will star in, 'Why Not? With Shania Twain.' The hour-long reality show will be based on her life, following the Grammy winning superstar 'as she begins her climb back to the top, a personal journey filled with risk, revelations and unexpected adventures.' The reality show will air on OWN.