Dannielynn Birkhead wore a special black gown to the Barnstable Brown Gala in Louisville, Kentucky. The 18-year-old daughter of Anna Nicole Smith chose the same dress her mother wore to the same event in 2004. The moment was emotional and meaningful for her and her father, Larry Birkhead. The event took place one day before the Kentucky Derby.
A Dress With a Memory
The black gown had a deep neckline, crystal straps, and an open back. It was once worn by Anna Nicole Smith during the 2004 gala. This year, her daughter wore it to the same event.
Dannielynn said she picked the dress because it belonged to her mother and looked cool. Her father shared online that it felt like life had come full circle. For Dannielynn, wearing the dress felt like being close to her mother again.
A Long-Preserved Treasure
Larry Birkhead, 52, has kept the dress for many years. He last saw it when Anna wore it over two decades ago. Seeing his daughter in it brought back strong emotions.
Larry first met Anna at the Barnstable Brown Gala in 2003. He remembered a time when Dannielynn was very young and reached out to touch the dress. Now, she is old enough to wear it. He said the experience felt surreal.
A Personal Choice
Dannielynn decided on her own to wear the gown. Her father said it was a bolder look than her usual outfits, but she wanted to try something new. It was a fashion choice, but also a way to honor her mother.
Larry has saved many of Anna Nicole Smith’s clothes and items. He said he spends over $200,000 a year to store them. He hopes his daughter will find value in these things as she grows older.
He shared that Dannielynn is just now becoming interested in her mother’s style. With so many clothes saved, she could wear a new outfit every day for years without repeating one.
Remembering Anna Nicole Smith
Anna Nicole Smith was a well-known model and actress in the 1990s and early 2000s. She passed away in 2007 when Dannielynn was only a few months old. Since then, Larry has raised their daughter as a single father.
He kept many of Anna’s belongings to help Dannielynn feel connected to her. Larry said it was hard to decide what to keep, but anything that helped his daughter feel close to her mom was worth saving.
The Barnstable Brown Gala Tradition
The Barnstable Brown Gala is one of the biggest events leading up to the Kentucky Derby. It takes place each year in Louisville, Kentucky. Celebrities from all over attend the party.
Anna Nicole Smith used to go to this gala often. Now, her daughter and Larry attend it almost every year. It has become a tradition for them and a way to remember Anna.
In 2022, Dannielynn wore a suit her mother had once bought. That outfit had been worn by Janet Jackson and later owned by Anna Nicole. It was another example of how fashion connects Dannielynn to her mother’s past.
Living a Quiet Life
Even though Dannielynn is the daughter of a famous celebrity, she keeps a low profile. She does not use public social media and rarely speaks in interviews. Her father says he wants her to enjoy a normal life as much as possible.
Still, moments like this remind the public of who she is. Wearing her mother’s dress was not just about fashion. It was a way to feel close to someone she lost a long time ago.
A Simple Tribute With a Deep Meaning
As the Kentucky Derby weekend began, many people noticed Dannielynn’s choice of gown. It was stylish, but more than that, it was full of meaning. It showed the deep bond between a mother and daughter—even across time.
Larry and Dannielynn continue to remember Anna in quiet but special ways. The dress, saved for years, became a way to bring back memories and celebrate a legacy.
