Almost two decades after the passing of Anna Nicole Smith, her daughter is starting to forge her own path into adulthood. Now 19 years old, Dannielynn Birkhead has mostly lived outside of the limelight, thanks to her father, Larry Birkhead.
However, she’s recently attracted attention, particularly during this year’s Kentucky Derby weekend, where she made a striking appearance. It’s interesting, really, how someone can spend so much of their childhood away from public scrutiny yet still evoke a legacy that looms large.
Dannielynn turned heads at the Derby when she showcased a bold Goth-rock-inspired style alongside her father in Louisville. On the day of the race, she donned a strapless black dress adorned with a large white floral design, complemented by a black-and-white fascinator, with her platinum blonde hair featuring black tips.
The day before, she showed up at a high-profile pre-Derby event in a striking punk-inspired gown—a strapless corset number with intricate embroidery and a sheer skirt.
Amid all the glitz, though, it’s worth noting that Dannielynn’s life story delves far deeper than mere fashion statements or Derby appearances. The daughter of Anna Nicole Smith, born Dannielynn Hope Marshall Stern, entered the world on September 7, 2006, in Nassau, Bahamas. At that time, Anna Nicole declared attorney Howard K. Stern as her daughter’s father, but Larry Birkhead contested that claim and called for a DNA test, igniting a public paternity saga.
Things took a tragic turn shortly after. Just three days post-birth, Smith’s 20-year-old son, Daniel Wayne Smith, lost his life to an overdose while visiting his mother and newborn sister. Then, in February 2007, Anna Nicole herself succumbed to a drug overdose at the age of 39, thrusting Dannielynn once again into the public eye—this time in a battle over custody.
In April 2007, DNA tests confirmed that Larry was indeed her biological father. “I hate to say I told you so,” Larry remarked after the hearing, relieved and adamant that he would take his daughter home. Once granted custody, he made sure to raise Dannielynn far from the Hollywood spotlight, relocating them to Kentucky.
According to Larry, the Kentucky Derby has been a significant event for them. “The Derby is a growth curve for Dannielynn,” he explained, as people began to take notice of her because he kept her away from public events. Instead of the usual hustle of celebrity life, her upbringing has unfolded in a surprisingly normal way, filled with school routines and family outings that resemble more of a road trip than a red-carpet show.
Over the years, they cultivated a life rich in ordinary experiences—concerts, theme park visits, and family trips. They’ve shared moments at shows by Janet Jackson and Duran Duran, which Larry documents frequently.
In 2021, Dannielynn appeared on an ABC special that revisited Anna Nicole’s life, where they visited her mother’s hometown and met those familiar with her before fame shifted her identity. “Anna Nicole had many joyful moments,” Larry mentioned, reflecting on her highs and lows.
Now, Dannielynn is beginning to craft her own connection to her mother’s complex narrative. At a 2025 gala, she wore a black dress previously owned by Anna Nicole, which held significant emotional weight. “She chose it because it belonged to her mother and was ‘so cool,'” Larry recalled.
This annual event, where Larry had met Anna Nicole many years prior, has now become a family tradition for his daughter. Outside of Derby festivities, Dannielynn proves to be quite accomplished academically. In 2023, Larry shared his pride in her as an honor student interested in forensic science. As she steps into adulthood, she navigates a legacy that, while not chosen, she is starting to interpret in her own way.
Reflecting on her journey, Larry captured his emotions well when he said, “You’re funny, incredibly smart, cute, and everything I could ever imagine. Your mom would be so proud of you, and so am I.”
