‘She took care of people’: KLAQ recalls interview with Dolly Parton

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Dolly Parton has made an impact with her music and philanthropy. For one El Paso radio station, an interview with the superstar served as a reminder of Parton's good character.

Parton's family announced her death Tuesday. She was 80 years old. KLAQ Director of Content Kevin Vargas said he interviewed the country music icon in 2023, leading up to the release of her album Rockstar.

Vargas has covered the Woodstock '94 music festival and the Olympics, but he said his interview with Parton became one of the most enjoyable in his career.

He said her legacy will live beyond her music. She said her humanitarian work and film experience culminated an impact that "transcends format."

"A true queen of country music, a true superstar in every sense of the word," Vargas said. "She was a humanitarian. She took care of people, her library -- everything. She did so many things that didn't even get to the headlines that were just about helping other people and being a decent human being."

Vargas said KLAQ was one of nine rock stations Parton's label deemed credible enough to interview with.

He said her greatest legacy would be that she was a great person.

"Sincerity. Honesty. Integrity. Those three words really sum up Dolly real well," Vargas said. "She will never be forgotten, and she's going to inspire a whole new generation."