Anita Bryant was a well-known figure in America. She was a beauty queen, a pop singer, and a spokesperson for Florida oranges. However, she became famous for her strong views against gay rights. Bryant passed away on December 16 at the age of 84. Her family announced her death in her hometown newspaper, the Oklahoman. They shared that she died at home, surrounded by family and friends.

Early Life and Rise to Fame
Anita Bryant was born in Oklahoma and became famous in the 1960s. She was known for her singing career and her beauty. She even represented Oklahoma in the Miss America pageant in 1958, where she was a second runner-up. During her early career, she had many hit songs, with “Paper Roses” being one of her most popular. This song reached number five on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1960.
Transition to Evangelical Activism
In the early 1970s, Bryant became the spokesperson for Florida oranges. She popularized the phrase, “Breakfast without orange juice is like a day without sunshine.” This catchy phrase became a part of American culture. However, her career took a different turn when she began to speak out against gay rights.

Save Our Children Campaign
In 1977, Bryant started the “Save Our Children” campaign. This campaign aimed to repeal a law in Miami-Dade County that protected people from discrimination based on sexual orientation. Many people supported her views, but many others criticized her. She claimed she loved homosexuals but hated their sin. This statement became popular among some religious groups but was mocked by members of the LGBTQ community.
Activism Beyond Florida
Bryant’s activism did not stop in Florida. She became a figurehead for the religious right and campaigned for California’s Briggs Initiative. This initiative sought to ban public school employees from discussing their sexual orientation. Even former Governor Ronald Reagan opposed this initiative, which eventually failed. After this defeat, Bryant’s influence began to wane.

Decline and Later Years
As her activism grew, Bryant lost many of her endorsements. The Florida Citrus Commission removed her as their brand ambassador in 1980 after a successful nine-year run. Other endorsements, including a deal with Coca-Cola, also ended. In 1980, she had a special with Bob Hope and Pat Boone called the “Anita Bryant Spectacular.” However, this did not revive her career.
Personal Life Changes
Bryant’s personal life also changed during this time. She divorced her first husband, Bob Green, in 1980 and married Charlie Hobson in 1990. Despite her controversies, she remained a staunch advocate for her beliefs.
Later Years and Legacy
In her later years, Bryant moved back to Oklahoma to care for her ailing mother. She decided to stay there because she felt it was a friendly place for her traditional values. While out of the spotlight, she focused on writing inspirational books and working with the Salvation Army.

Music Career Overview
Throughout her music career, Bryant recorded many singles, but she did not have any major albums. She was nominated for three Grammy Awards for her religious music in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Her last album was released in 1985, and she continued to write and perform gospel music.
Final Thoughts
Anita Bryant’s life was full of ups and downs. She was loved by many for her music and her charm, but her strong views on gay rights made her a controversial figure. She is survived by her four children, two stepdaughters, and seven grandchildren. Her legacy is a reminder of the complex history of LGBTQ rights in America and the ongoing discussions about love, acceptance, and social values.
Q. What was Anita Bryant known for?
A. Anita Bryant was known for her music career in the 1960s and her later activism against gay rights.
Q. When did Anita Bryant pass away?
A. Anita Bryant passed away on December 16, 2022.
Q. What was the “Save Our Children” campaign?
A. The “Save Our Children” campaign was led by Anita Bryant in 1977 to repeal a Miami-Dade County ordinance that protected teachers from discrimination based on sexual orientation.