DENVER WILL HOST GRAMMYS

John Denver will replace Kenny Rogers as host of this year’s telecast of the Grammy Awards on CBS, the network said Friday.

In explaining his decision to withdraw from the Feb. 26 assignment, Rogers said: “The telecast requires a host who is able to devote enough time to prepare properly for the show.

“Unfortunately,” he added, “after accepting the honor, I discovered that I would have had to either cancel concert dates on my current national tour with Dolly Parton, which have already been sold out, thus disappointing my fans, or be left with insufficient time to spend rehearsing professionally for the telecast in Los Angeles. I look forward to the possibility of hosting the Grammys next year.”

Michael Melvoin, president of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, said the group understood Rogers’ position and accepted his decision to withdraw with regret.

Denver has hosted the event on five previous occasions.

The Grammys will be awarded in ceremonies at the Shrine Auditorium. Pierre Cossette is executive director, with Ken Ehrlich as producer and Walter C. Miller directing.