In a touching tribute to her late mother, Anna Nicole Smith, 18-year-old Dannielynn Birkhead wore one of her mother’s iconic dresses to the annual Barnstable Brown Gala on Friday, May 2, 2025, just before the Kentucky Derby. This dress, a striking black gown adorned with crystal-embellished straps, was originally worn by Smith at the same gala 21 years ago in 2004, marking a poignant full-circle moment for the family.
Accompanied by her father, Larry Birkhead, Dannielynn turned heads as she stepped onto the red carpet, embodying her mother’s glamorous spirit. Larry shared the moment on his Instagram, stating, "Kicking off @kentuckyderby weekend with Dannielynn. First up, The Barnstable-Brown Gala. Dannielynn is wearing Anna Nicole’s dress that she wore 21 years ago to this same event. Life full circle. She said she chose the dress because it was her Mom’s and ‘super cool.’" The emotional connection to the dress was palpable, as Larry reflected on the memories it brought back. "It was emotional because the last time I saw that dress was on Anna," he told People magazine.
For Dannielynn, wearing her mother’s dress was more than just a fashion statement; it was a heartfelt way to feel close to Anna Nicole. While speaking to reporters, she expressed, "This is the closest to a hug I can get from her." This sentiment resonated deeply, highlighting the bond between mother and daughter, despite Anna Nicole’s passing when Dannielynn was just five months old.
The Barnstable Brown Gala, which has raised over $21 million for diabetes treatment and research since its inception in 1989, is a prestigious event that attracts numerous celebrities each year. Larry Birkhead, who met Anna Nicole at the gala in 2003, has made it a tradition to attend with Dannielynn since she was three years old. This annual outing not only allows them to honor Anna Nicole’s legacy but also to create new memories together.
In addition to the dress, Dannielynn paid homage to her mother by replicating her signature hairstyle, a platinum blonde updo, and wearing makeup that echoed Anna’s iconic look. Her father noted that seeing her in the dress was bittersweet, as he recalled how Dannielynn would touch the dress as a little girl, expressing her connection to her mother’s past.
As the Kentucky Derby festivities continued, Dannielynn dazzled in a pale green strapless tulle dress designed by Mac Duggal on Sunday, May 4, 2025. She accessorized this outfit with jewelry from Anna Nicole’s personal collection, further solidifying her tribute to her mother. Larry humorously mentioned on Instagram how Dannielynn made him cut his hair for the event, joking, "She made me cut my hair because she said I looked like a low-rent Keith Urban!"
Throughout her teenage years, Dannielynn has shown a keen interest in her mother’s fashion and legacy. Larry revealed that he spends over $200,000 in storage bills to preserve Anna Nicole’s belongings, hoping that one day Dannielynn will appreciate them. "I think she’s doing a fashion experiment for herself," he said, noting that his daughter has started to explore her mother’s world of fashion.
In a previous birthday tribute, Larry celebrated Dannielynn turning 18, highlighting her growth and maturity over the years. He shared heartfelt messages about her character, stating, "Happy 18th Birthday Dannielynn! You are my entire heart. I love you more than I can ever express." This love and pride were evident as he watched her take on the world, even as she navigates the complexities of growing up in the shadow of a famous parent.
Anna Nicole Smith’s legacy continues to be a significant part of Dannielynn’s life, shaping her identity and experiences. From attending the Barnstable Brown Gala to wearing her mother’s dresses, she honors Anna Nicole’s memory while carving out her own path. As they continue their annual tradition at the Kentucky Derby, both father and daughter cherish the moments they have together, celebrating not only the past but also the future they are building.
As the daughter of a cultural icon, Dannielynn Birkhead stands at the intersection of legacy and individuality, reminding us that while the past shapes us, it is our choices that define our future. With each event, she not only keeps her mother’s memory alive but also embraces her own identity, making her mark on the world in her unique way.
