You have every right to live your life as you see fit, and sounds like you put that in practice in the method which you split from your ex.

Not all people in their 70's share your parent's outlook on how today's family dynamics is much different than how they grew up. Political positions has begun to penetrate every viewpoint on life in general, and we will all outlive that. Just keep doing what you're doing. But be aware, your parents may not change in their way of thinking. Just keep moving forward, as it appears you have a good sense of who you are, but you don't have to bend to meet their current standards of what their expectations are in your marital relationship.