Anita Bryant, a name synonymous with both sweet pop melodies and bitter anti-gay activism, passed away at 84. The Grammy-nominated singer, best known for her hit “Paper Roses” and her role as a spokesperson for Florida oranges, died on Monday, December 16th, 2024, at her home in Edmond, Oklahoma. Her family confirmed her passing in an obituary published by The Oklahoman on January 9th, 2025. While the cause of death was not disclosed, the obituary stated she was surrounded by loved ones in her final moments. Bryant’s life was a complex tapestry woven with musical success, unwavering religious beliefs, and a controversial stance on LGBTQ+ rights that continues to resonate today.
From Oklahoma Beauty Queen to Pop Sensation
Born on March 25th, 1940, in Barnsdall, Oklahoma, Anita Bryant’s journey to stardom began early. By the age of 12, she was already hosting her own television show, a testament to her innate talent and charisma. Six years later, she captured the title of Miss Oklahoma and went on to represent her state in the 1958 Miss America pageant, finishing as the third runner-up. This early success foreshadowed the significant impact she would make on both the music industry and American culture.
Bryant’s musical career blossomed in the 1960s. Two of her singles, “Paper Roses” and “My Little Corner of the World,” soared into the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 in 1960, establishing her as a prominent figure in the pop music scene. Her performances at both the Democratic and Republican National Conventions in 1968, along with seven consecutive years of entertaining U.S. troops overseas, further solidified her reputation. Her powerful rendition of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” at the 1971 Super Bowl and President Lyndon Johnson’s funeral in 1973 became iconic moments in her career.
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The “Save Our Children” Campaign and the Backlash
Despite her musical achievements, Bryant’s legacy is inextricably linked to her fervent opposition to gay rights. In 1977, she spearheaded the “Save Our Children” campaign in Miami-Dade County, Florida, aimed at overturning a local ordinance that prohibited discrimination based on sexual orientation. Bryant argued that the ordinance “condones immorality and discriminates against my children’s rights to grow up in a healthy, decent community.” The campaign successfully repealed the ordinance, a victory that wouldn’t be reversed for over two decades.
Bryant’s campaign and her public pronouncements against homosexuality, often framed in religious terms, ignited a firestorm of controversy. Her infamous statement, “I love homosexuals, but hate their sin,” became a rallying cry for both supporters and detractors. The LGBTQ+ community and its allies viewed her words as deeply offensive and harmful, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and contributing to a climate of discrimination.
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The Pie Incident and the Price of Activism
The intense emotions surrounding Bryant’s activism culminated in a dramatic incident during a 1977 press conference in Des Moines, Iowa. A pro-LGBTQ+ activist threw a pie in her face, capturing national attention. Bryant’s response, “Well at least it’s a fruit pie,” delivered moments before praying for her assailant, further cemented her image in the public consciousness. The pie incident underscored the deep divisions her campaign had created and became a symbolic moment in the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights.
Bryant’s outspoken views had significant professional consequences. She lost endorsement deals and was dropped from plans for a variety show due to her “controversial political activities.” Undeterred, she continued to defend her stance, attributing her activism to her religious beliefs. In a 1978 Playboy interview, she stated, “God says the wages of sin are death, and one little sin brings on another. The homosexual act is just the beginning of the depravity.” She also actively supported California’s Briggs Initiative, which sought to ban gay and lesbian teachers from public schools.
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A Legacy of Contradictions
Despite the controversy surrounding her activism, Bryant achieved notable recognition in the music industry. She received three Grammy nominations throughout her career, including nods for Best Sacred Performance and Best Inspirational Performance. From 1969 to 1980, she served as the spokesperson for Florida oranges, popularizing the slogan, “Breakfast without orange juice is like a day without sunshine.” Ironically, opponents of her anti-gay views later adapted the phrase to, “A day without human rights is like a day without sunshine.”
Bryant’s personal life was also marked by significant events. Her 20-year marriage to Bob Green ended in divorce in 1980. She later married Charlie Hobson Dry in 1990, who preceded her in death earlier in 2024. Bryant is survived by four children from her first marriage, two stepdaughters, and seven grandchildren. Anita Bryant’s life and legacy remain complex and multifaceted. She was a talented singer, a devoted mother, and a controversial figure whose activism had a lasting impact on the LGBTQ+ rights movement. Her story serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and the complex interplay between personal beliefs and public life. While her musical achievements earned her accolades, her anti-gay rights activism continues to draw criticism and remains a dark stain on her legacy.
