Everett Country Radio Host Parker Retires After 60 Years

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, June 13, 2024

Charlye Parker

Charlye Parker -- one of the first female radio hosts in Washington State history -- will announce her retirement after 60 years in radio on a farewell show with "Mitchell and Moffett" on Friday, June 14 from 6-9am on Classic Country KXA-AM & FM. Parker has worked at KTRC in Santa Fe, KRZY in Alburquerque, KWYZ and KMPS in the Pacific Northwest and KHAY in Ventura, where she spent 21 years as morning host.

Parker also served a Program Director from 1977 to 1988 for KGHL and KIDX in Billings, MT, one of the first women to do so at the time.

"It may be hard to believe these days, but it wasn't so many years ago that broadcasting was a man's arena and there was no place for women in it," said Parker.

Parker grew up in the Midwest in the late '50s during the time Rock 'n Roll was being tested over the radio. She fell in love with music and knew she wanted to play records. She had always had a love for the Pacific Northwest, being pulled here throughout her lifetime. Parker first came to the PNW in the early '70s as a photojournalist for the Pro Rodeo Cowboy Association.

KXYZ/Everett Program Director Tom Lewis hired her in the '70s giving her the title "Snohomish County's First Lady of Country."

In 2012 Parker planned to retire after moving to the North Sound but fell in love with Classic Country KXA. She has worked for KXA Radio for 12 years as the weekend morning host.

"I remember meeting Charlye for the first time...and was immediately drawn to her kindness and wit...and then when I heard her for the first time on-air, I marveled at her one of a kind on air approach. Her passion for Classic Country artists and the beauty of living in the PNW comes shining brightly over her mic," KXA morning radio host Stitch Mitchell said.

"I worked with Charlye Parker doing Call In's from the Arlington Show 'N Shine Car Show, Arlington Street Fair, and other weekend remotes over the years. We always had a blast during these Live call-ins. My goal was to make her laugh...always did...love you Charlye Parker," said KRKO and KXA radio personality "Maury the movie guy" Maury Eskenazi.

"Charlye has been a mentor and an inspiration to me since I moved to 94.1 KMPS in 1982/ It was a full-circle moment when she joined our team at Classic Country KXA. Charlye is one of the most relatable, fun, and caring personalities you will ever hear on the radio. Her show is all about the music and the listeners and she will be missed," commented KXA Programming Consultant Becky Brenner.