Anita Bryant, Former Pop Star and Anti-Gay Rights Figure, Passes Away at 84

Before spearheading the anti-LGBTQ+ “Save Our Children” campaign, Bryant was crowned Miss Oklahoma and served as the spokesperson for Florida Citrus.

By Sheenu Gupta On Jan 10, 2025 Share with new partner:

Anita Bryant, a singer who earned multiple Grammy nominations and was crowned Miss Oklahoma, passed away at the age of 84. Bryant, who later became widely known for her outspoken campaign against gay rights in America, died at her home in Edmond, Oklahoma, on December 16, 2024. Her family made the announcement on Thursday, expressing their sorrow over her passing. They offered a message of comfort, stating, “May Anita’s memory and her faith in eternal life through Christ comfort all who embraced her.”

Anita Bryant was born on March 25, 1940, in Barnsdall, Oklahoma. She quickly gained recognition for her musical talents, achieving fame with hit songs such as “Till There Was You,” “In My Little Corner of the World,” and “Paper Roses.” At just 18 years old, Bryant earned the title of Miss Oklahoma, further cementing her place in the public eye. Her success as a singer took her to prestigious venues, including the White House, where she performed during President Lyndon B. Johnson’s administration. Bryant also performed at both Republican and Democratic national conventions, showcasing her versatility and wide appeal.

In addition to her musical career, Bryant became a well-known spokesperson for Florida Citrus, famously coining the slogan, “Breakfast without orange juice is like a day without sunshine,” which became a widely recognized phrase.

In the 1970s, Bryant’s career took a sharp turn as she became politically active. She led the “Save Our Children” campaign, a controversial movement aimed at overturning a Dade County, Florida ordinance that prohibited discrimination based on sexual orientation. The campaign, which was fiercely opposed by LGBTQ+ activists, sought to prevent the inclusion of sexual orientation in the county’s anti-discrimination laws.

Bryant defended her actions in a 1978 interview with Playboy, where she explained her stance, saying, “I got involved only because they were asking for special privileges that violated the state law of Florida, not to mention God’s law.” Her vocal opposition to LGBTQ+ rights sparked widespread backlash. In response, many LGBTQ+ rights groups called for a boycott of Florida orange juice, and it was reported that Bryant lost significant income, including approximately half a million dollars in concert bookings, as a result of the protests.

Bryant is survived by her four children, two stepdaughters, seven grandchildren, and their spouses. Her family issued a statement expressing their grief and honoring her memory.