John Denver was more than just a singer. He was a country music star, a lover of nature, a man who gave back to others, and someone who truly left a mark on the world. Most people remember him for his beautiful voice and heartfelt songs like “Take Me Home, Country Roads” and “Annie’s Song.” But there was another side of John Denver that many might not know about—his passion for flying.
John grew up around airplanes. His father was an officer in the United States Air Force, so flying became part of his world early on. Over the years, Denver developed a strong love for flying. It wasn’t just a hobby—it was something that brought him peace and joy. He became a pilot himself and even collected old-fashioned bi-planes. He loved the sky as much as he loved music.
Sadly, that passion is also what ended his life.
In 1997, John Denver died in a plane crash while flying an experimental aircraft off the coast of California. It was a terrible tragedy that shocked fans everywhere. But here’s something many people don’t know: his life could have ended even earlier—in a very different way.
A Chance to Go to Space
Back in the 1980s, John Denver’s love of flying reached new heights—literally. He became interested in space travel and worked closely with NASA. He helped support a program called “Citizens in Space,” which aimed to send ordinary people—non-astronauts—into space. Because of his work and his well-known support for space exploration, NASA gave him the Exceptional Public Service Medal in 1985. It was a big honor and showed how serious Denver was about being part of something bigger than himself.
That same year, NASA was planning a special space shuttle trip. They were going to send a civilian, someone who wasn’t trained as an astronaut, into space as part of the Challenger shuttle mission. Denver applied for that spot.
He wasn’t the only well-known person who wanted to go. Other famous names like Walter Cronkite, Tom Wolfe, and Geraldo Rivera also applied. NASA made all the applicants go through tests—physical exams, mental checks, written questions—the works. And John passed all of them. He was in the running.
But in the end, he wasn’t chosen.
Instead, NASA picked Christa McAuliffe, a high school teacher from Boston. They wanted someone who could inspire children and show that space was for everyone, not just astronauts. Christa trained with the crew and prepared for the big journey.
The Day That Changed Everything
On January 28, 1986, the Challenger shuttle lifted off from Cape Canaveral, Florida. Millions of people watched on TV as it climbed into the sky. But just 73 seconds after launch, something went horribly wrong. A part called an O-ring, which was supposed to seal one of the rocket boosters, failed because of the cold weather. The shuttle broke apart in mid-air. All seven people on board, including Christa McAuliffe, died in the explosion.
It was one of the saddest moments in space history.
And John Denver had almost been there.
It’s chilling to think about. If NASA had picked Denver instead of Christa, he would have been on that shuttle. He would have lost his life in 1986 instead of 1997. The world would have lost him even sooner. Fans wouldn’t have had those last years of music, concerts, and memories.
Sometimes, fate steps in quietly. In 1986, it did just that.
A Song for the Fallen
After the Challenger disaster, John Denver was deeply affected. He felt connected to the people who had died—especially Christa. He understood what it meant to dream big and take risks for something you believed in. In response to the tragedy, he wrote and released a song called “Flying for Me.” The song was a tribute to the Challenger crew and their bravery.
He didn’t stop there. Denver also held a benefit concert to raise money for the families of the astronauts who were lost. He managed to raise $50,000, showing once again how much he cared about people and causes that mattered to him.
Even after the accident, Denver continued to support NASA and space exploration. He never gave up on the dream of reaching beyond Earth and inspiring others to do the same.
A Life of Passion and Purpose
John Denver’s story is filled with music, love for the environment, giving to others, and chasing dreams. He believed in living fully and doing what he loved—even when it came with risks. Whether he was writing a song, flying a plane, or helping support a cause, he put his heart into everything.
His near-miss with the Challenger mission is one of those “what if” moments in history. What if he had been chosen? What would the world have lost?
Luckily, we had more time with him. We got more songs, more concerts, and more inspiration. And even though his life ended too soon in 1997, his legacy continues to live on through his music, his environmental work, and the way he lived fearlessly.
