Shania Twain Arrives in New York with Surprising Companion

By Julie Dam and Anne Marie Cruz

Originally posted Friday December 05, 2008 12:45 PM EST

Shania Twain and Thiébaud at JFK on Dec. 4, 2008 Photo by: Flynet

Three weeks after getting a standing ovation for her surprise appearance at the CMA Awards, Shania Twain turned up in Manhattan Thursday with a number of friends from Switzerland, Nashville and Virginia for a weekend of Christmas shopping.

Among her group of pals? Frederic Thiébaud, the ex-husband of Twain's former best friend who sources say broke up the country star's marriage to Robert "Mutt" Lange. Twain and Thiébaud were photographed arriving from Switzerland at JFK airport together.

Back in May, Twain, 43, split from her producer husband Lange, 60.

Though Lange denied having an affair to PEOPLE, sources close to the situation told PEOPLE that he was involved with Marie-Anne Thiébaud, a close friend and manager of the couple's chateau in Switzerland. The two couples had socialized together for years.

Twain – who has been staying strong after the split – came to New York City to "hang and shop," says a source close to her. Among her group of pals is Thiébaud, whom the singer has considered a friend since the days when their families were close.

Adds the source: "She loves NYC during the holidays."

Frederic Thiébaud at JFK. Photo by: Flynet