At 78, Annie Denver Confirmed The Rumor About John Denver | HO

ASPEN, COLORADO — For decades, the world has cherished the music and legacy of John Denver, the American singer-songwriter whose blend of pop, folk, and country produced timeless hits like “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” “Leaving on a Jet Plane,” and “Annie’s Song.” Yet, behind the melodies and the fame lay a personal story that has long fascinated fans—especially the true inspiration behind his most famous love song.

Now, at age 78, Annie Denver, the woman who inspired “Annie’s Song” and was once married to the legendary musician, has finally confirmed the rumor that has circulated for years about her ex-husband. Her revelation puts to rest decades of speculation and offers a rare, intimate look into the life of one of America’s most beloved artists.

The Woman Behind the Song

Annie Denver, born Annie Martell on September 6, 1946, in Minnesota, has lived most of her life away from the spotlight. Raised in a devout Christian family with three siblings, Annie attended local schools before enrolling at Aldos College in St. Peter. It was there that fate intervened: in 1966, she met a young, ambitious musician named John Denver, then performing with the Chad Mitchell Trio.

Their first encounter was modest—Annie was helping backstage at a college musical, while Denver played guitar with the trio. Annie recalls, “He remembered exactly what I wore that day—blue jeans, a flannel shirt, and penny loafers.” Letters followed, and within nine months, the couple married on June 9, 1967.

For Annie, life with John Denver was a whirlwind of music, travel, and sudden fame. “Annie’s Song,” written in 1974, immortalized her in popular culture. But as Annie revealed in a 2022 interview on the “Mobituaries with Mo Rocca” podcast, the song was not simply born out of romance—it was the result of a life-changing moment.

The Truth Behind “Annie’s Song”

Fans have long speculated about the origins of “Annie’s Song,” with some believing it was written after an intimate moment between the couple. Annie Denver has now clarified the story: the song was composed after a quarrel, not a romantic evening.

In the spring of 1973, the Denvers were living in Aspen, Colorado, having moved there after falling in love with the area during a camping trip. After one of their many arguments, John Denver went skiing to clear his mind. Sitting on the Ajax chairlift, inspired by the beauty of the mountains and the peace that followed reconciliation, the melody and lyrics came to him. He rushed home and wrote the song in just ten minutes.

“Initially, it was a love song given to me through him,” Annie shared. “But for John, it became almost like a prayer—a reflection on love, forgiveness, and the beauty of our surroundings.”

A Family Built on Love and Adoption

Despite the deep love expressed in Denver’s music, the couple faced challenges. Unable to have biological children, they adopted a son, Zachary John, and a daughter, Anna Kate. Both parents doted on their children, and Annie describes those years as filled with “joy, music, and adventure.”

Yet, the pressures of fame and relentless touring took their toll. By 1982, after 15 years of marriage, Annie and John Denver divorced. The split was amicable, but both acknowledged the strains that led to their separation.

Why the Marriage Ended

In a candid 1983 interview on the Russell Hardy show, John Denver admitted, “I think my success and my commitment to the work that I do certainly had an effect on Annie’s and my relationship. Over the last four, five, or six years, we started drifting away from one another. Part of it had to do with the amount of time we spent not together, and then an inflexibility when we got back together to sort of integrate the other’s life into our own.”

Annie Denver, in her own words, cited their youth and inexperience as factors. “We were too young and immature to handle John’s sudden stardom. I felt lost, threatened by his celebrity, and unsure of my own identity.”

Despite the pain, Annie never spoke ill of her ex-husband. She remained single, focusing on her children and later, her grandchildren, while John Denver remarried and continued his music career.

Dispelling Rumors and Remembering John Denver

Rumors have swirled for years about Annie Denver’s health and whereabouts, with some claiming she had passed away. Annie herself dismissed these stories, confirming she still lives in Colorado, surrounded by family.

Her relationship with John Denver, though ended, remains a source of pride and nostalgia. Annie admits she still cries when she hears “Annie’s Song,” and counts “Perhaps Love,” Denver’s duet with Plácido Domingo, among her favorites.

John Denver’s Rise, Fall, and Enduring Legacy

Born Henry John Deutschendorf Jr. in Roswell, New Mexico, on December 31, 1943, John Denver grew up in a military family, moving frequently due to his father’s career as a decorated pilot. Denver’s introverted nature and frequent relocations made childhood challenging, but at age 11, his grandmother’s gift of an acoustic guitar changed his life.

By college, Denver was performing at local clubs, eventually joining the Chad Mitchell Trio and then launching a solo career. His breakthrough came with “Leaving on a Jet Plane,” popularized by Peter, Paul & Mary, and followed by a string of hits in the 1970s.

Denver’s music resonated with millions, thanks to its blend of genres and heartfelt lyrics. “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” “Rocky Mountain High,” and “Sunshine on My Shoulders” became anthems of a generation.

His humanitarian efforts were equally notable. Denver supported environmental causes, founded the Windstar Land Conservancy in Aspen, and performed at benefit concerts for various charities.

A Troubled Personal Life

Despite his gentle public persona, Denver struggled with personal demons. His divorce from Annie Martell was marked by anger—he once tried to cut their marital bed in half with a chainsaw, reportedly in retaliation after Annie cut down family trees on their Aspen property.

Denver’s second marriage, to Australian actress Cassandra Delaney, was brief and tumultuous. After their 1991 divorce, Delaney called Denver a “vindictive bully.” The years that followed saw Denver battling alcoholism and depression, leading to multiple drunk driving charges and the loss of his pilot’s license.

The Tragic Accident

On October 12, 1997, John Denver died in a plane crash off the coast of California at age 53. He was piloting a homebuilt Rutan Long-EZ aircraft when it crashed into Monterey Bay. Investigations found poor ergonomics in the aircraft’s fuel valve placement and confusing fuel gauges contributed to the accident. Denver’s struggles with alcohol and the FAA’s restrictions further complicated the tragedy.

A Lasting Legacy

Despite his untimely death, John Denver’s music endures. “Country Roads, Take Me Home” returned to the Billboard charts this year after featuring in a Super Bowl commercial, and a new stage tribute is set to premiere in July.

Annie Denver’s recent confirmation about the true origins of “Annie’s Song” has reignited interest in the couple’s story. Her honesty and grace in reflecting on their shared past offer fans a poignant reminder of the love, heartbreak, and inspiration behind John Denver’s greatest works.

As Annie Denver celebrates her 78th birthday in the quiet beauty of Colorado, she remains a living testament to the enduring power of music, memory, and the human spirit. The rumors have finally been laid to rest, and the truth—like the songs themselves—will live on for generations to come.