Dannielynn Birkhead, the 17-year-old daughter of the late Anna Nicole Smith, made a stunning style statement at the annual Barnstable-Brown Gala ahead of the Kentucky Derby. Accompanied by her father, Larry Birkhead, Dannielynn wore a black Gianfranco Ferre dress previously donned by Janet Jackson. The dress, described as “knee-length in the front and floor-length in the back with zippers all around,” showcased Dannielynn’s striking resemblance to her mother. Proud dad Larry shared photos of the duo on their joint Instagram account, capturing Dannielynn’s beauty and grace in the iconic dress paired with black biker boots and a silver choker, accentuated by voluminous curls and glamorous makeup.
The Gala served as a double celebration as Larry disclosed that Dannielynn had recently graduated from high school. Expressing his excitement for the Derby weekend, Larry shared, “Looking forward to a fun Derby weekend with the newly graduated high school student!” The Kentucky Derby holds a special significance for both Dannielynn and Larry, as they have been attending the event annually since Dannielynn was three years old. The tradition started when Larry met Anna Nicole at the Barnstable-Brown Gala in 2003, where he was covering the event as a photographer. The gala aims to benefit the Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center at the University of Kentucky. Larry expressed that taking Dannielynn to the event each year is a way to honor the past while creating new memories with her.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Larry elaborated on the significance of the Kentucky Derby tradition, explaining that it symbolizes the growth chart for Dannielynn. He shared, “It’s kind of been a tradition that we would go every year. Since I did meet her mom there, it started off just kind of me taking her back and showing her around and kind of letting her know the stories that, you know, this is where I met your mom and things.” The annual event not only serves as a tribute to Anna Nicole but also as a way for Larry to create lasting memories with his daughter. While Larry typically avoids public events with Dannielynn, the Kentucky Derby holds a special place in their hearts.
Remembering Anna Nicole
Anna Nicole Smith, Dannielynn’s late mother, was an American socialite who gained fame in the early 1990s through her marriage to Howard J. Marshall, who was significantly older than her. Dannielynn was born in 2006, but tragedy struck just five months later when Anna Nicole was found unresponsive in a Florida hotel room and pronounced dead at the age of 39. Initially, Dannielynn’s birth certificate listed Howard as her father, but Larry claimed paternity and a DNA test confirmed his relationship with the little girl. Despite the heartbreaking loss of her mother at a young age, Dannielynn continues to create cherished memories with her father at the Kentucky Derby.
The annual tradition of attending the Kentucky Derby serves as a poignant reminder of the past for Dannielynn and Larry, while also providing an opportunity to make new memories together. The event not only showcases Dannielynn’s unique style and grace but also highlights the bond between father and daughter as they honor the legacy of Anna Nicole Smith.
Leave a Reply