Anita Bryant, the multi-Grammy Award-nominated singer, former Miss Oklahoma and later a prominent activist against gay rights in the United States, has died at the age of 84.
in announcement On Thursday, Bryant's family announced that he passed away on December 16, 2024, at his home in Edmond, Oklahoma. “May Anita's memory and faith in eternal life in Christ comfort all who embrace her,” her family said.
Born on March 25, 1940 in Barnsdall, Oklahoma, Bryant quickly rose to fame throughout his music career with hits such as “Till There Was You,” “In My Little Corner of the World,” and “Paper Roses.” I made a profit. Bryant was crowned Miss Oklahoma at the age of 18.
In addition to singing at the White House during President Lyndon B. Johnson's presidency, Bryant also sang at the Republican and Democratic National Conventions. She also public relations person This quote from Florida Citrus at one point coined the phrase, “Breakfast without orange juice is like a day without sunshine.”
In the 1970s, Bryant became politically involved. take the lead The anti-LGBTQ+ “Save Our Children” campaign calls for the repeal of Dade County, Florida's ordinance prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation.
Bryant told Playboy in 1978 said: “I got involved because they were asking for special privileges that violated Florida law, much less God's law.”
In response to Bryant's anti-LGBTQ beliefs, gay rights activists boycotted Florida Orange Juice, The Hollywood Reporter reported. reported. It added that Bryant said he had lost about $500,000 in concert bookings.
Bryant is survived by four children, two stepdaughters, seven grandchildren and their spouses, the family said in a statement.
