John Denver’s Final Words to His First Wife — A Love Story Marked by Music and Heartbreak
John Denver, one of the most beloved singer-songwriters of the 1970s, captured hearts worldwide with timeless hits like Take Me Home, Country Roads and Annie’s Song. His gentle voice and poetic lyrics celebrated nature, love, and the human spirit. But behind the wholesome image was a man who endured deep personal struggles, especially in his romantic relationships.
A Love That Inspired a Classic Song
John first met Annie Martell in the 1960s, when he was an aspiring musician and she was a college student. He later admitted it was love at first sight. The two married in 1967, and despite the demands of Denver’s rising career, they nurtured their bond through heartfelt letters during long separations.
In 1974, while riding a ski lift in Aspen, Colorado, John wrote Annie’s Song in just ten minutes as a gift to his wife. When Annie heard it, she was moved to tears. The song became one of Denver’s biggest hits and remains a timeless declaration of love.
Strain Beneath the Romance
Behind the romantic lyrics, their marriage was under strain. Denver’s constant touring left Annie feeling isolated and insecure. Even after adopting two children together, the pressures of fame and absence weighed heavily on the relationship.
By 1982, the couple divorced in a split that was far from amicable — Denver once admitted to cutting their marital bed in half with a chainsaw during an argument. Yet despite the bitterness, he never stopped sending Annie flowers for her birthday and Mother’s Day.
Life After Annie
Denver later married Australian actress Cassandra Delany, but the marriage also ended in divorce. His struggles with alcohol deepened during this period, leading to legal troubles and professional setbacks. Still, he remained a devoted father and stayed close to his children.
Their Final Conversation
As the years passed, Denver became more reflective about his past. In one of his last phone calls with Annie before his untimely death, she thanked him for the birthday flowers he’d sent. After a brief pause, Denver told her, “I love you, Annie.” She replied, “I love you too. Have a great trip and I’ll see you when you get back.”
These were the last words they shared before Denver died tragically in a plane crash in 1997.
Annie’s Favorite Song
While Annie’s Song has always held deep meaning for her, Annie revealed that her favorite of Denver’s works was actually Perhaps Love, a duet he recorded with Plácido Domingo. For her, that song — and their final exchange — remain the most cherished reminders of a love that was once as beautiful as the music it inspired.