Dannielynn Birkhead Honors Her Mother at the Kentucky Derby
Dannielynn Birkhead embraced the memory of her late mother during the 151st Kentucky Derby, an event she cherishes. The 18-year-old daughter of Anna Nicole Smith and Larry Birkhead sported a tribute to her mother at the races in Louisville, Kentucky.
At the Barnstable Brown Gala on Friday, Dannielynn dazzled in a black dress adorned with sparkling diamonds—an original piece that Anna Nicole wore to the same event two decades prior. It certainly carries a lot of sentiment for both her and her father.
Larry shared on Instagram, “Kick off @kentuckyderby weekend with Dannielynn. First, Barnstable-Brown Gala. Dannielynn wears an Anna Nicole dress that she wore at this same event 21 years ago.” He reflected on the emotional significance of the dress, noting that Dannielynn chose it because it was her mother’s and deemed it “super cool.” They then moved on to the actual Kentucky Derby event.
With help from stylists Ryan Austin and Janna Allgeier, Dannielynn also channeled her mother’s signature blonde updo and complemented the look with a bold makeup palette crafted by Rick Bancroft.
Speaking about her outfit and its connection to her mother, Dannielynn said, “It feels good,” while barely holding back tears. “Sadly, I can’t know my mother. This is one of the ways I can connect with her. It’s the closest thing I can hug from her.” The gala, a major event benefiting the University of Kentucky’s Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center, is a highlight of Derby Eve.
For Dannielynn and her father, participating in the Kentucky Derby is a longstanding tradition. Larry reflected on their journey together, stating that he met Anna Nicole at the Derby in 2003—a connection that continues to hold deep meaning for them.
Although Burkhead maintains a relatively private life, he returns to these cherished events annually to honor the past and foster new memories with Dannielynn. He explained, “We had a really good time. It’s a tradition we go to every year.” He further shared how he introduced Dannielynn to the story of where her parents first met.
Anna Nicole Smith passed away in 2007, but her legacy lives on through Dannielynn and the traditions they carry together. Larry has navigated the challenges of parenthood since her birth, ensuring that their lives remain grounded away from the public eye.
