Everett, WA radio host Charlye Parker, one of the first female on-air talent in the US, passed away this past week, less than two days after her final show. Parker, who began her career in 1973 in Santa Fe, NM, was a host on Classic Country KKXA-AM for more than a decade.
Refusing to conform to the “sexy” persona often expected of female broadcasters at the time, Parker was the first woman to host her own radio show in the Pacific Northwest and played a pivotal role in the growth of Seattle’s KMPS.
Parker retired to California, but returned to Everett’s airwaves 12 years ago, continuing to engage with her audience even as she celebrated her 80th birthday.
Despite her recent battle with pancreatic cancer and facing a terminal diagnosis, she shared her gratitude for a fulfilling life in radio and her lack of fear of facing death. KXA organized a special tribute show for June 14, led by colleagues Stitch Mitchell and Anita Moffett, celebrating Parker’s significant contributions to radio.
KXA Radio announced the news on its Facebook, saying, “With tears in our eyes and with heavy hearts I was informed by Charlye Parker amazing friend Dorothy…that Charlye passed peacefully early this morning. We are all so thankful that we could honor her and her Farewell Show Friday. Her final mic drop. We will be honoring her legacy throuhout this week. RIP Charlye…gone…never forgotten.”
