Washington [USA], January 10: Anita Bryant, a three-time Grammy-nominated singer and TV personality, has passed away at the age of 84 at her home in Edmond, Oklahoma. Her death was confirmed through an obituary published in The Oklahoman on January 9. The cause of death was not disclosed.
Bryant, born on March 25, 1940, in Barnsdall, Oklahoma, grew up in a Christian family and developed a deep love for music. At just 12 years old, she hosted her own TV show, marking the beginning of her long career in the entertainment industry.
At 18, she was crowned Miss Oklahoma, which led to appearances on notable TV shows such as the CBS variety program hosted by Arthur Godfrey and the Dick Clark-hosted American Bandstand.
In 1971, Bryant had the honor of performing at the Super Bowl and co-hosted the nationally televised segment of the Orange Bowl Parade for nine years. Throughout her career, she enjoyed a string of chart hits in the late 1950s and early 1960s, including “Till There Was You,” “Wonderland by Night,” “Paper Roses,” and “In My Little Corner of the World.” The latter two songs made it to the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1960.
Bryant also performed at the White House for President Lyndon B. Johnson and even sang at both the Republican and Democratic National Conventions in 1968. She became widely known for her role as the voice of the animated “Orange Bird” in Florida Orange Juice commercials, with the iconic jingle “Come to the Florida Sunshine Tree” and the slogan “Breakfast without orange juice is like a day without sunshine” becoming popular catchphrases.
Despite her success, Bryant faced backlash for her outspoken opposition to gay rights, which ultimately affected her popularity.
Anita Bryant is survived by her four children, two stepdaughters, and seven grandchildren, along with their spouses.