Shania Twain Will Carry Olympic Flame

Country star Shania Twain will carry the Olympic torch through her hometown of Timmins in northern Ontario.
She said the honor "is certain to be one of the most memorable experiences of my life."
The announcement came as Twain is preparing for her career comeback, following her divorce last year, including an appearance as guest judge on American Idol.

The singer released a statement about her opportunity to be a torch bearer for the 2010 Winter Olympics, which will be held Feb. 12 to 28 in Vancouver.

"I am proud to have been presented this unique opportunity and privilege and look forward to sharing the pride with my hometown and fellow Canadians as we are all proud of our country's chance to host the upcoming Winter Games," Twain said.

"I have a tremendous respect for the hard work, dedication and talent of the world's greatest athletes and will humbly carry and pass on the Olympic torch with a special pride for my country's Olympians. I am grateful for this special gift of participation in carrying the flame that represents such an incredible spirit of sportsmanship and excellence and wish all the athletes of the 2010 Winter Olympics courage, strength and triumph during the Games."

Shania Twain is one of 12,000 people who will carry the torch through more than 1,000 communities on its 45,000-kilometer journey.