Everett WA Radio: After 60-Years Charlye Parker To Sign-Off

Charlye Parker

Charlye Parker was one of the first female radio hosts in Washington State history. She will announce her retirement after 60 years in radio on a Farewell show with “Mitchell and Moffett” on Friday, June 14th from 6-9 am on Classic Country KXA (1520 AM, 101.1 FM and streaming).

“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 has worked at radio stations KTRC in Santa Fe, KRZY Alburquerque, KWYZ and KMPS in the Pacific Northwest and KHAY in Ventura, California where she spent 21 years as the morning host. She was a program director from 1977 to 1988 for KGHL and KIDX in Billings, Montana, one of the first women to do so at the time.

The Everett Post reports 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.

Parker has always had a love for the Pacific Northwest, being pulled here throughout her lifetime.  She first came to the PNW in the early ‘70s as a photojournalist for the Pro Rodeo Cowboy Association.

Program Director for Everett station KXYZ 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.

“From the moment I met her she felt like family,” KXA Co-host Anita Moffett said.

“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,” KXA Programming Consultant Becky Brenner said.

KXA radio began in 2011, playing Classic Country hits from the 50’s to 90’s. KXA broadcasts to the entire North Sound. For more information on KXA radio, see here: https://www.everettpost.com/kxa