Anita Bryant, singer, and anti-gay rights crusader, passes away at 84

The world has lost yet another gem, yet another star. We are talking about Anita Bryant, a multi-Grammy nominated singer, and former Miss Oklahoma, who breathed her last at the age of 84.

She became a high-profile campaigner against gay rights in America and led an anti-LGBTQ+ ‘Save Our Children’ campaign. Her family confirmed the news of her demise. The artist breathed her last on December 16, 2024, but the family announced her demise on Thursday, with the statement that read - “May Anita’s memory and her faith in eternal life through Christ comfort all who embraced her.”

Anita Bryant was often regarded as the epitome of talent. She tasted at a very young age and led a fulfilling life that recorded various milestones. She was born on 25 March 1940 in Barnsdall, Oklahoma, and carved a niche for herself in the musical industry. Her songs including ‘Till There Was You,’ ‘In My Little Corner of the World’ and ‘Paper Roses,’ built her stairs to success and fame. Further, at the young age of just 18, Bryant was crowned Miss Oklahoma.

Bryant not only performed at the White House during Lyndon B. Johnson's time in office, but she also sang at both Republican and Democratic national conventions. Additionally, she served as the spokesperson for Florida Citrus, famously stating, “Breakfast without orange juice is like a day without sunshine.”

Later, in the 1970s, Anita got interested in politics and she led the anti-LGBTQ+ “Save Our Children” campaign. It sought to repeal an ordinance in Dade County, Florida, that prohibited discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Speaking to Playboy in 1978, Bryant said: “I got involved only because they were asking for special privileges that violated the state law of Florida, not to mention God’s law.”

The Hollywood Reporter states that as a result of Bryant’s anti-LGBTQ beliefs, gay rights activists boycotted Florida orange juice. She even lost approximately half a million dollars in concert bookings.

Bryant is survived by her four children, two stepdaughters, seven grandchildren, and their spouses, her family said in a statement.