In a heartwarming tribute to her late mother, Dannielynn Birkhead made a striking appearance at the 2025 Kentucky Derby, showcasing a special gown that once belonged to Anna Nicole Smith. The 18-year-old wore the same dazzling black halter dress that her mother donned in 2004, capturing the essence of both past and present in a remarkable fashion moment. “Kicking off @kentuckyderby weekend with Dannielynn,” her father, Larry Birkhead, shared in an Instagram post, highlighting their shared experience at the renowned event. “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.’”
As the father-daughter duo prepared for the festivities, Larry continued, “Next up, the Kentucky Derby races. We are glad to spend time with my niece Chloe (pictured). I am going to try not to embarrass them with my dance moves.” In the photos shared online, Dannielynn beamed with joy, showcasing the elegant gown that featured a plunging neckline adorned with sparkles and an open slit. Her hairstyle was reminiscent of Anna Nicole’s signature looks from the early 2000s, with soft blonde curls styled in an elegant updo.
Fans of the late model were quick to express their admiration in the comments section, with many noting the striking resemblance between Dannielynn and her mother. One comment read, “You two look so incredibly amazing! Very sharp, Larry, and Dannielynn has grown to be a beautiful young lady.” Another fan remarked, “Stoppp, the resemblance is unreal.” It was clear that the bond between mother and daughter transcended time, with one commenter stating, “Wow, does Dannielynn look like her mother. To see her all glammed up like that, she looks like a beautiful young lady coming into her own. Lots of love from me.”
During her time on the red carpet, Dannielynn shared with a reporter that wearing the dress “is the closest to a hug I can get from her.” This heartfelt sentiment was echoed by Larry, who spoke to People about the significance of the moment. He revealed that he has kept the dress “for years” and found it emotional to see his daughter wearing it. “It was emotional because the last time I saw that dress was on Anna,” Larry reminisced, recalling how Dannielynn had once touched the dress as a little girl. “And now that she’s actually old enough to wear it, it just seems surreal that we’re at this moment.”
Reflecting on Dannielynn's choice of attire, Larry remarked, “I think she’s doing a fashion experiment for herself. Also, I think it’s really meaningful for her to wear. I’m just glad she’s going through and starting to wear some of Smith’s clothes because she could literally pick out an outfit a day for the rest of her life and never wear the same thing twice.” He also shared that he has invested over $200,000 in storage bills to preserve Anna Nicole's wardrobe, hoping that one day, Dannielynn would appreciate her mother’s iconic fashion. “When somebody passes away, you think, ‘Oh, I’m not getting rid of anything.’ And then you go through the emotions,” Larry explained.
Larry and Dannielynn are not new to the Kentucky Derby scene; they have been attending the event together since she was just three years old. Larry humorously noted that their annual tradition began after a babysitter canceled on him the first year he brought her. “Then everybody was like, ‘Oh, how cute.’ And then I thought, ‘Well, she wasn’t that much trouble last year. So it became a tradition,” he expressed. Over the years, their appearances have garnered attention, with fans anticipating their outfits and moments at the Derby.
Last year, Larry expressed his pride in Dannielynn’s growing interest in fashion, stating, “We are having a great time. Dannielynn is enjoying one of her first years getting into the fashion of the Derby.” They always make it a point to attend the Barnstable-Brown Gala, a significant event for the duo, as Larry noted on Instagram, “Tonight is the 20th anniversary where I met Dannielynn’s mom at the same event.”
Anna Nicole Smith was known for her iconic style, which she showcased throughout her career, beginning with Playboy in 1992 and later modeling for major brands such as H&M and Guess. Tragically, she passed away at the age of 39, just five months after giving birth to Dannielynn. The loss of her son, Daniel, a year prior deeply affected Anna, with reports indicating that he was an integral part of her life. Larry shared poignant memories of their family, emphasizing the strong bond they shared.
As Dannielynn continues to grow and embrace her identity, the moments shared with her father at events like the Kentucky Derby serve as a powerful reminder of her mother’s legacy and the enduring love they hold for her. “It was really special that she picked out the dress to wear,” Larry concluded, reflecting on how fashion can connect generations.
