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Zachary John Denver: Meet John Denver’s Adopted Son

Zachary John Denver: Meet John Denver's Son
by
  • Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
  • Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
  • Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.

Zachary John Denver is the adopted son of the late country singer John Denver and his first wife, Annie Martell. The couple married back in 1967 but struggled to have a child of their own, so they decided to adopt. A couple of years later, after Denver and Martell adopted Zachary, they gave another soul – Anna Kate – a home. And their father was definitely happy to have them, saying that they were meant to be his and Annie’s kids. In fact at the time, John Denver even said that he would be so happy to be remembered as Zachary and Anna Kate’s father when he passes away.

The siblings welcomed their half-sibling from Denver’s second marriage. Jesse Belle is the biological daughter of John Denver and Australian actress, Cassandra Delaney. And they were really close to each other as they grew up in the same house. 

Early Life: Who is Zachary John Denver?

Zachary John Denver or also known as Zak, was born on May 23, 1974. He is of African-American ethnicity and is an American national. At the time, the family was already settled in their mountain home in Aspen, Colorado – a place Denver fell in love with the moment the first time he saw it. Denver kept his family life private, and he never revealed anything about Zachary’s biological parents or where they adopted him. 

Zachary met his adopted sibling Anna Kate two years later. He, later on, attended a local high school in Aspen. While there were not a lot of things known about him, he inspired some of John Denver greatest hits, including “A Baby Just Like You,” where his father greeted him with ‘Merry Christmas.’

He is the oldest of John Denver’s children

Career: Is Zachary Denver a musician?

Although most would think he is, the actual answer is no. Unlike John Denver, with whom he shares his name, Zachary pursued a career in politics. Although his current political affiliation is unknown, he was a known member of the United Party of America back in 2000. He is an active social worker who always works for the betterment of the society. He and his family currently live in Basalt, Colorado. 

Married Life: Who is Zachary’s wife?

Zachary is currently married to his wife Jennifer, and the couple has one son. His wife is rarely seen with him in events, but she was spotted once with her mother-in-law Annie attending Cesar’s Whisper in 2010 hosted by the professional dog trainer Cesar Millan in Aspen. They even had a photo together!

Where is he now?

After his father’s death, he and his siblings attended one of his posthumous recognitions, which was his Music Hall of Fame induction in 2011. And then in 2014, he and his youngest sister Jesse Belle attended the Walk of Fame to honor their late father. 

Each of Denver’s children received a $7 million trust fund, and since he was unmarried before his death, his properties were split across the three siblings. And according to recent news, the siblings are working with Brian Schwartz to put together a biographical film of Denver’s life, a documentary of his activism, and a Broadway musical inspired by his songbook. 

Zachary John Denver was 23 when his father passed away. 

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