Billy Parker, a multi-talented star who was both a former country musician and a DJ, has died, NewsOn6 reports. He passed away in a hospital in Tulsa on Monday, January 19. He was 88.
Remembering Billy Parker
NewsOn6 listed some of Parker’s achievements in their reporting, including how he won the Disc Jockey of the Year awards from the Country Music Association in 1974 and from the Academy of Country Music in 1975, 1977, 1978, and 1984.
The news of Parker’s passing was also announced by Big Country 99.5 on January 19, along with a smiling photo of Parker. “Our KVOO family took a big hit today,” they wrote on Facebook. “We are so saddened to announce the passing of a legend, Billy Parker.”
The station reflected on Parker’s tenure with KVOO from 1971 until his retirement in 2015. “He won multiple ACM and CMA Awards, was inducted to the Country Music Disc Jockey Hall of Fame, the Western Swing Hall of Fame, the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, and received the Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters Lifetime Achievement Award,” the statement shared. “Billy will forever be a part of the Voice of Oklahoma.”
The comment section is filled with loving messages, and this is not the only tribute.
Fans Pay Tribute to Billy Parker
Parker was loved, and many who knew him personally paid tribute to him after his passing. Among the tributes on social media is one from LeAnn Taylor, who shared three photos of Parker on Facebook, accompanied by a loving message.
“We lost a good one. Billy Parker passed away Monday at the age of 88,” she wrote. “Last time I saw him was when I interviewed him on the morning show for his latest book. Billy was always so supportive of my career, and I was so grateful for his impact on me. What a true country legend!”
Fans reacted to her post. “Great guy. he help my husband when he recorded his single and played it here on kvoo. it went to the top 50s on Billboard,” a fan wrote. “A truly talented a good man. He soared in success but remained humble and lived by his Christian principles,” another person shared. “My husband worked with him twice on air. Glad to have known him. He leaves a legacy full of favor.”
Parker’s funeral will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at First Baptist Church-Tulsa, NewsOn6 reports. The service will start at 1 p.m.
