Anita Bryant, a well-known singer and prominent anti-gay rights activist, has passed away at the age of 84. Her family announced that she died on December 16, 2024, at her home in Edmond, Oklahoma, surrounded by loved ones. Born on March 25, 1940, in Barnsdall, Oklahoma, she first rose to fame as a singer with hit songs such as Till There Was You and In My Little Corner of the World (The Guardian).

Bryant was crowned Miss Oklahoma at the age of 18 and gained national prominence through her appearances at high-profile events, including singing for President Lyndon B. Johnson and at the Super Bowl V Halftime Show in 1971 (The Hill). In addition to her music career, she was a television spokesperson for Florida orange juice, famously stating, “Breakfast without orange juice is like a day without sunshine.”

However, it was her political activism that garnered significant attention in the late 1970s. Bryant became a vocal opponent of LGBTQ rights, spearheading the Save Our Children campaign against a Dade County, Florida, ordinance that prohibited discrimination based on sexual orientation. She made headlines when she claimed that efforts to support LGBTQ rights posed a threat to children, stating, “The war goes on to save our children” (USA Today).

Bryant's controversial views not only drew protest from LGBTQ activists but also led to widespread boycotts of Florida orange juice, resulting in the loss of lucrative endorsement deals for her. Notably, she was famously "pied" during a television event by gay rights activist Tom Higgins, to which she humorously responded, “At least it was a fruit pie” (The Hill).

Throughout her life, Bryant received backlash within the entertainment industry, which contributed to her eventual financial struggles and bankruptcy. Though she faced ridicule, she remained steadfast in her beliefs and often spoke about her anti-gay activism without regrets. In a 1996 interview, she noted, “I've never regretted what I did” (USA Today).

Survived by her four children, two stepdaughters, and seven grandchildren, Anita Bryant leaves behind a multifaceted legacy characterized by both her musical contributions and her divisive political activism.

For more information, visit the original articles from The Guardian, The Hill, and USA Today.