Anita Bryant, who gained fame as a former Miss Oklahoma, a Grammy-nominated vocalist, and a notable promoter of orange juice, passed away at the age of 84. Her family announced her death on December 16 at her residence in Edmond, Oklahoma, although no official cause of death was disclosed in their statement.

Born in Barnsdall, Oklahoma, Bryant showcased her singing talents from an early age, even hosting a local TV show by the age of 12. She won the title of Miss Oklahoma in 1958 and subsequently enjoyed a fruitful music career with popular tracks like “Till There Was You,” “Paper Roses,” and “My Little Corner of the World.” A devoted Christian, she received Grammy nominations for her sacred and spiritual albums, including “Anita Bryant … Naturally.”

By the late 1960s, she participated in USO tours alongside Bob Hope, performed at the White House, and sang at both the Democratic and Republican conventions in 1968. She became a prominent figure in advertising as well, famously using the slogan, “A day without orange juice is like a day without sunshine” for her Florida orange juice commercials.

However, the late 1970s marked a significant shift in Bryant’s career and personal life. Disturbed by the era’s social transformations, she spearheaded a successful movement to overturn a Miami-Dade County ordinance aimed at preventing discrimination based on sexual orientation. With backing from influential figures like Rev. Jerry Falwell, her coalition “Save Our Children” actively campaigned against LGBTQ+ rights, harshly criticizing the gay community and labeling their lifestyle as “deviant.”

Bryant’s outspoken views generated considerable backlash, leading to boycotts against her endorsements and instances of public ridicule. She faced hostile actions, such as a pie being thrown at her during an Iowa event. Her entertainment career began to wane, her first marriage to Bob Green ended, and she eventually filed for bankruptcy.

In Florida, the social landscape surrounding her legacy evolved. The repeal against discrimination was reinstated in 1998, and LGBTQ+ activists like Tom Lander noted that although Bryant won her campaign, she ultimately lost in the larger societal context. He highlighted ongoing connections between her campaigns and current conservative movements that have launched a wave of book bans and anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in the state.

In the final years of her life, Bryant resided in Oklahoma while running Anita Bryant Ministries International. She was married to NASA astronaut Charles Hobson Dry until his passing last year. Her family reports that she is survived by four children, two stepdaughters, and seven grandchildren.