Anita Bryant, a former Miss Oklahoma and Grammy-nominated singer, passed away at the age of 84.
The controversial entertainer died on Dec. 16 at her home in Edmond, Oklahoma, according to a family statement shared Thursday on The Oklahoman website. The cause of death was not disclosed.
A gifted vocalist from a young age, Anita Bryant’s career blossomed early. By 12, she hosted her own local television show. She went on to win the Miss Oklahoma crown in 1958 and enjoyed a successful music career with hits like ‘Till There Was You’ and ‘Paper Roses.’
She also gained widespread recognition as a spokesperson, famously promoting Florida orange juice with the iconic tagline, ‘A day without orange juice is like a day without sunshine.’
Bryant’s musical talent earned her two Grammy nominations for Best Sacred Performance and one for Best Spiritual Performance.
But her career took a controversial turn in the late 1970s when she became a vocal opponent of LGBTQ+ rights.
Leading the ‘Save Our Children’ campaign, she successfully overturned a Miami-Dade County ordinance protecting LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination.
This campaign, backed by figures like Reverend Jerry Falwell, utilized inflammatory rhetoric, condemning the LGBTQ+ community, and referred to the gays as ‘human garbage.’
Anita Bryant, a former Miss Oklahoma and Grammy-nominated singer, passed away at the age of 84 on December 16th at her home in Edmond, Oklahoma.
Bryant’s activism sparked widespread backlash, including boycotts of products she endorsed and public protests.
LGBTQ+ activists organized boycotts of products she endorsed, created mocking T-shirts, and even named a cocktail after her—a twist on the screwdriver that replaced orange juice with apple juice.
During a public appearance, she was famously struck in the face with a pie by an activist.
