Anita Bryant: A Polarizing Figure in American History

Jan. 9, 2025, 9:40 p.m. ET

Anita Bryant, the singer and former beauty queen who rose to fame in the 1960s and ’70s, has passed away at the age of 84. She died on December 16 at her home in Edmond, Oklahoma, due to cancer, as reported by her son William Green. Her family confirmed her passing through an obituary published in The Oklahoman.

Initially celebrated for her music, with hits such as ‘Paper Roses,’ Bryant became a controversial figure due to her outspoken opposition to gay rights. At just 18, she gained prominence after winning the Miss Oklahoma title and securing a spot as the second runner-up in the Miss America pageant.

Her career flourished as she entertained troops on U.S.O. tours alongside comedian Bob Hope and performed at significant historical events, including singing the national anthem at Super Bowl events. Notably, she sang ‘Battle Hymn of the Republic’ at President Lyndon B. Johnson’s graveside, marking a significant moment in her career.

Most famously, she became the face of the Florida Citrus Commission in a high-profile advertising campaign, promoting orange juice with memorable slogans, such as ‘Breakfast without orange juice is like a day without sunshine.’

In the late 1970s, Bryant shifted her focus from entertainment to activism, leading a campaign against a Miami-Dade County ordinance that aimed to protect LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination. Her efforts were characterized by her claims that homosexuality was ‘an abomination,’ which caused widespread backlash and significantly harmed her career.

She founded the organization ‘Save Our Children’ to advocate against the ordinance, which she perceived as a direct threat to traditional family values. This shift in activism transformed her from a beloved entertainer to a polarizing figure in American society, inspiring both support from conservative communities and fierce opposition from LGBTQ+ advocates.

Throughout her later years, Bryant faced numerous personal and professional challenges, including bankruptcy and strained relationships within her family, yet she remained committed to her views on sexuality and morality. She expressed no regrets about her activism, stating in a 2011 interview that ‘I’ve never regretted what I did.’

Bryant is survived by her four children, two stepdaughters, and seven grandchildren. Her legacy remains a complex intersection of entertainment, activism, and the ongoing discourse surrounding LGBTQ+ rights in America.