Dannielynn Birkhead, the daughter of the late Anna Nicole Smith, made a heartfelt tribute to her mom during the 2025 Kentucky Derby weekend. The 18-year-old model and social media personality wore the same iconic backless black gown that Anna Nicole Smith had worn 21 years ago to the Barnstable Brown Gala, a high-profile event held annually during Derby weekend. With the look, Dannielynn not only honored her mother’s legacy but also paid homage to a cherished moment in their family’s history.
A Fashionable Tribute to Anna Nicole Smith
Dannielynn Birkhead stepped onto the red carpet at the Barnstable Brown Gala in Louisville, Kentucky, in the same black gown her mother had famously worn in 2004. The vintage dress, with its elegant backless design, instantly brought back memories of Anna Nicole Smith’s glamorous presence at the event more than two decades ago. To complete the look, Dannielynn styled her hair in a loose updo, mirroring her late mother’s signature style from that night.
The teen’s choice to wear the dress was not only a fashion statement but also a poignant nod to her mother’s influence on her life. “It’s super cool to wear my mom’s dress,” Dannielynn shared, expressing the sentimental value the piece held for her. The gown represents a powerful connection between the past and present, symbolizing a full-circle moment for the young woman.
A Family Tradition: Father and Daughter at the Kentucky Derby
Accompanying Dannielynn at the gala was her father, Larry Birkhead, who has maintained a close bond with his daughter throughout the years. The pair has made it a tradition to attend the Barnstable Brown Gala together for the past 15 years. Larry Birkhead, who shares a deep connection with his late ex-partner Anna Nicole Smith, took to Instagram to express his pride in the special moment. “Kicking off @kentuckyderby weekend with Dannielynn,” he wrote on May 2. “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.”
Birkhead’s Instagram post also included a humorous moment, as he jokingly promised not to embarrass his daughter with his dance moves at the gala. The father-daughter duo was also joined by Larry’s niece, Chloe, as they continued their Derby weekend tradition together.
Keeping Anna Nicole’s Memory Alive
For Dannielynn, the Kentucky Derby weekend isn’t just a glamorous event—it’s also a way to keep her late mother’s memory alive. In an interview on the red carpet in 2024, Dannielynn shared how she and her dad frequently talk about Anna Nicole at home. “We talk about her a lot at home, and share stories and funny things,” Dannielynn said. “And we have some things around the house that belong to her, like a painting with some very choice words on the back.”
The Birkhead family’s continued tribute to Anna Nicole Smith shows how the love and memories of the former model, actress, and socialite remain an important part of their lives, even as time passes.
A Tradition Born Out of Serendipity
While attending the Kentucky Derby events together has now become a long-standing tradition for Larry and Dannielynn, their first appearance at the Barnstable Brown Gala was not initially planned. In fact, the tradition began somewhat unexpectedly. “I think the one year the babysitter canceled,” Larry recalled in a previous interview. “And then it became I brought her when she was able to kind of walk and do her own thing down the carpet, and then it became a tradition.” What started as a last-minute decision has since evolved into a cherished annual event for the Birkhead family, reinforcing their close bond.
A Heartfelt Birthday Message for Dannielynn
Larry Birkhead’s deep affection for his daughter is evident in his public posts. On Dannielynn’s 18th birthday in September 2024, he shared a touching message on Instagram. “You are my entire heart,” he wrote. “I love you more than I can ever express. May you continue on your journey being ‘humble and kind’ and spread the love that you were given to many others. I am beyond proud of you.”
Larry’s message captures the essence of their relationship—one of love, pride, and a shared commitment to honoring Anna Nicole Smith’s memory.