Anita Bryant, an influential figure in American popular culture and divisive political activist, passed away at the age of 84 on December 16, 2024, at her residence in Edmond, Oklahoma. The cause of her death, as reported by her family in The Oklahoman, was cancer.
Bryant’s multifaceted career had its roots in Oklahoma, where she began as a child performer. She hosted a local television program at age 12 and in 1958, she was crowned Miss Oklahoma. Her success in the pageant paved the way for her career in music. Her hit songs, such as “Till There Was You,” “Paper Roses,” and “My Little Corner of the World,” were well-received, and her deep Christian faith was a defining influence on her music. This resulted in her being nominated for three Grammy Awards – two for best sacred performance and one for best spiritual performance.
By the late 1960s, Bryant became a high-profile figure in the entertainment industry. She performed alongside comedian Bob Hope on USO tours for troops overseas and at the White House. In 1968, she sang at both the Democratic and Republican national conventions. She also served as the spokesperson for Florida orange juice, uttering the unforgettable phrase, “A day without orange juice is like a day without sunshine.”
Bryant’s diverse engagements included singing the national anthem at the Super Bowl and performing “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” at President Lyndon B. Johnson’s graveside, further solidifying her broad popularity during this era.
In a significant shift in 1977, Bryant’s public persona underwent a major transformation when she spearheaded the “Save Our Children” campaign. This campaign aimed to revoke an anti-discrimination law in Miami-Dade County, Florida. With the backing of Reverend Jerry Falwell, Bryant became a vocal opponent of gay rights nationwide. “She won the campaign, but she lost the battle in time,” remarked Tom Lander, an LGBTQ+ activist and board member of Safe Schools South Florida.
The backlash against Bryant was swift and far-reaching. Activists launched boycotts of products she endorsed and produced merchandise that mocked her. An activist even threw a pie at her during an event in Iowa. A popular cocktail was named after her, substituting apple juice for orange juice in a twist on the classic screwdriver.
The fallout greatly impacted Bryant’s career in the entertainment industry. She lost her contract with the Florida Citrus Commission, saw a decrease in concert bookings, and eventually filed for bankruptcy. Additionally, her marriage to Bob Green ended in divorce.
In 1998, the Miami-Dade County ordinance that Bryant had fought to repeal was reinstated. Bryant spent her later years in Oklahoma, where she headed Anita Bryant Ministries International. Her second husband, NASA test astronaut Charles Hobson Dry, passed away in April 2024.
Bryant is survived by four children, two stepdaughters, and seven grandchildren.
