Seventeen years after the tragic death of Anna Nicole Smith, her daughter Dannielynn Birkhead has blossomed into a grounded, spirited young woman. Having just turned 18, she enjoys the thrills of rollercoasters, excels at school, and continues to honor the memory of her iconic mother—with unwavering support from her father, Larry Birkhead.
A Tumultuous Beginning
Dannielynn’s life began amid heartbreak and headlines. Within months of her birth, she lost both her half-brother Daniel and her mother, Anna Nicole Smith. The ensuing custody battle was watched by the world, culminating in April 2007 when photographer Larry Birkhead was confirmed as her biological father. That marked the start of a new chapter—one marked by love, privacy, and normalcy.
Life Away from the Spotlight
Determined to give Dannielynn a grounded upbringing, Larry moved to Louisville, Kentucky, far from the Hollywood glare. “It takes away the curiosity, the false stories,” he said. And for years, that Midwest life served them well. These days, they’ve relocated to Florida, but the values remain unchanged.
“She’s a good kid,” Larry told E! News. “She’s on the Honor Roll and just enjoys being a normal teenager.” From schoolwork to cosplay, from amusement parks to family traditions, Dannielynn is growing up with stability and fun at the forefront.
Shared Traditions and Cherished Memories
The father-daughter duo maintains a tight bond. They attend the Kentucky Derby annually, share inside jokes, plan Halloween costumes, and take selfies (usually poorly framed, per Dannielynn’s intent). They’ve even marked Anna Nicole Smith’s legacy together with birthday cakes and heartfelt stories on the anniversary of her passing.
“In our house, every day is Anna day,” Larry once shared. Through stories, pictures, and even butterflies (which Dannielynn believes are signs from her mom), Anna Nicole’s memory lives on.
Acting, Forensics, and Future Dreams
Though she once modeled for Guess Kids in tribute to her mother, Dannielynn hasn’t shown interest in a modeling career. She’s more intrigued by acting and has earned praise in school plays. But her long-term plans are even more compelling.
“I’m going to double major in forensic science and Japanese studies,” she told E! last year. “I really have loved forensics ever since I was a kid. And I also love Japan and the culture and the language.”
Protecting Her Childhood
Despite her celebrity lineage, Larry has worked hard to protect Dannielynn’s privacy. She uses TikTok through a fake account, avoids YouTube stardom, and stays away from modeling gigs. He even turned down multiple offers from agencies after her one-time Guess campaign.
“She wants to be a kid,” Larry explained, reinforcing his commitment to keeping her grounded while letting her explore her interests.
Looking Ahead
As Dannielynn steps into adulthood, her journey continues to be defined by resilience, curiosity, and compassion. Whether she chooses a future in forensics, fashion, or something else entirely, she does so with the support of a father who has guided her with unwavering love.
“Sometimes you just have to say, ‘I gotta let you go and become your own person,’” Larry reflected. And by all accounts, Dannielynn is doing just that—rolling with life’s ups and downs with the same fearlessness her mother once embodied.
