Dannielynn Birkhead channeled her late mom Anna Nicole Smith with a vintage look during 2025 Kentucky Derby weekend.
The 18-year-old attended the Barnstable Brown Gala wearing the same backless black gown her late mom wore to the event 21 years prior. Dannielynn also sported a loose updo like her mother did.
The teen was accompanied by her dad Larry Birkhead, Anna Nicole’s ex, continuing an annual tradition the two began 15 years ago.
“Kicking off @kentuckyderby weekend with Dannielynn,” the 52-year-old wrote on his Instagram 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. She said she chose the dress because it was her Mom’s and ‘super cool.’ Next up the Kentucky Derby races.”
The father-daughter duo was also accompanied by Larry’s niece Chloe. He added in his post, “I am going to try not an embarrass them with my dance moves.”
“We talk about her a lot at home, and share stories and funny things,” Dannielynn told E! News on the derby red carpet in 2024. “And we have some things around the house that belong to her, like a painting with some very choice words on the back.”
While the father-daughter duo has been attending the special event together for 15 years, their joint attendance was actually a last-minute choice back in 2010.
“I think the one year the babysitter canceled,” he explained. “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.”
And it’s just one of many the tight-knit pair share.
In September, Larry wished his daughter a happy 18th birthday with a sweet message on Instagram. “You are my entire heart,” he captioned the post after their Beetlejuice-themed celebration. “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.”
To see of Dannielynn’s Kentucky Derby looks over the years, keep reading.
2010
She’s her mother’s daughter, all right!
2011
Who needs a fascinator when you’re this fabulous?
2012
Flower power! Anna Nicole’s mini-me’s fascinator is in full bloom.
2013
Chim chim cheree! The daddy-daughter duo take inspiration from Mary Poppins.
2014
Larry leads the way as Dannielynn smiles for the cameras.
2015
Think pink! Dannielynn and Larry pick coordinating colors for their festive frocks.
2016
At just 10 years old, Dannielynn is already a red carpet veteran!
2017
Everything’s coming up roses for the twosome!
2018
Dannielynn and her dad are feeling blue, in a good way!
2019
The tween is all smiles in a yellow floral dress as she poses with her dad.
2019
Dannielynn and Larry attend the 2019 Kentucky Derby. He tweeted, “Kentucky Derby time once again. Dannielynn looks pretty in pink in her dress by Junona and her Mom’s hat from her unforgettable appearance at The Kentucky Derby in 2004 #KentuckyDerby2019.”
2021
All smiles!
2021
Masked up!
2021
They’re back! Dannielynn and dad Larryreturned to celebrate the Kentucky Derby with these corresponding looks a day before the annual event.
2022
Larry and Dannielynn appear at the 2022 Barnstable-Brown Gala, a Kentucky Derby pre-party. Dannielynn is wearing the outfit that Janet Jackson wore to the 2003 Barnstable-Brown Gala. Larry said it was purchased in a Julien’s Auction, with proceeds benefitting charity.
2022
Anna Nicole Smith‘s daughter, then 15, sports a colorful look as she poses with dad Larry Birkhead at the 2022 Kentucky Derby.
2023
The 16-year-old steps out in style with her dad Larry Birkhead after paying tribute to her late mom with a fashion statement at the Barnstable Brown Kentucky Derby Eve Gala in May 2023.
2024
The 17-year-old sports a Gianfranco Ferre dress once owned by Janet Jackson and purchased at Julien’s Auctions while attending the Barnstable Brown Kentucky Derby Eve Gala in May 2024.
2024
The 17-year-old appears with her dad Larry Birkhead en route to the 2024 Kentucky Derby, and debuts a new lob hairstyle.
2025
While joining her dad Larry Birkheadat the Barnstable Brown gala during 2025 Kentucky Derby weekend, the 18-year-old wore the same outfit her late mom wore to the same annual party in 2004.
2025
The two coordinated in aqua at the main event.
