John Denver was sentenced to sing at a benefit concert to fight drunken driving after he pleaded guilty to driving while his ability was impaired.
The 49-year-old performer was originally charged with driving under the influence, but prosecutors agreed to let him plead guilty to the lesser charge. The longtime resident of this Rocky Mountain ski resort has until March 8 to complete the typical sentence of 28 hours of public service, which will include the benefit. A date for the performance hasn't been set.Denver, whose country-tinged pop hits include "Thank God I'm A Country Boy" and "Rocky Mountain High," also must undergo an alcohol-abuse evaluation and pay a $50 fine.
"I've talked to him and he's agreed to help us out," said Pitkin County Deputy Sheriff Ellen Anderson. At his request, Denver was allowed to enter his plea a week before his scheduled court date.
"Mr. Denver's disposition wasn't unusual," said Deputy District Attorney Lawson Wills. "Anyone who wants their court date earlier can just call up and say, `Hey, I want to get this over with.' "