Anita Bryant, a former Miss Oklahoma, Grammy-nominated singer, and prominent figure in the entertainment industry, passed away at the age of 84 at her home in Edmond, Oklahoma. The cause of her death has not been disclosed.
Bryant, a native of Barnsdall, Oklahoma, began her career in entertainment at a young age, winning the title of Miss Oklahoma in 1958. She achieved success as a singer with hit singles such as “Till There Was You,” “Paper Roses,” and “My Little Corner of the World.” Bryant, a devout Christian, received Grammy nominations for her sacred and spiritual performances.
During the late 1960s, Bryant's career flourished as she performed for troops overseas, sang at the White House, and became a well-known commercial spokesperson for Florida orange juice. However, in the late 1970s, she shifted her focus to activism, leading a campaign against gay rights in Florida's Miami-Dade County.
Her opposition to gay rights, characterized by derogatory remarks towards the LGBTQ+ community, sparked controversy and backlash. Activists organized boycotts against her endorsements, leading to a decline in her entertainment career and personal challenges, including a divorce and bankruptcy.
Despite her efforts, the ban on sexual discrimination was reinstated in 1998, challenging Bryant's legacy. LGBTQ+ activists acknowledge her impact on the ongoing debate over parental rights and anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in Florida.
In her later years, Bryant resided in Oklahoma, where she led Anita Bryant Ministries International. She is survived by four children, two stepdaughters, and seven grandchildren.
Her passing marks the end of a controversial yet influential chapter in American history, reflecting the complexities of social change and cultural evolution.
