May 03, 2025 : Dannielynn Birkhead paid a deeply emotional tribute to her late mother, Anna Nicole Smith, at the 2025 Barnstable Brown Gala on Friday by wearing the same black gown her mother wore to the event 21 years ago.
The 18-year-old made a striking appearance in the backless gown with a plunging neckline and crystal-embellished straps, mirroring her mother’s iconic look at the prestigious gala held annually on the eve of the Kentucky Derby.
Her father, Larry Birkhead, shared the touching moment with fans on Instagram, posting photos and calling it a “full circle” moment. “Dannielynn is wearing Anna Nicole’s dress, which she wore 21 years ago to this same event,” he wrote. “Life full circle.”
Dannielynn’s decision to wear the dress was driven not only by style but by sentiment. “This is the closest to a hug I can get from her,” she told reporters at the event, expressing how the gown serves as a tangible connection to her mother.
Larry, who has preserved Anna Nicole’s extensive wardrobe for his daughter, described the experience as “emotional.” He recalled how, as a child, Dannielynn once touched the dress in awe. “I think she’s doing a fashion experiment for herself, but it’s also meaningful,” he said. “She could pick out a different outfit from her mom’s wardrobe every day and never repeat.”
The Kentucky Derby and its surrounding events hold personal significance for the Birkhead family. Larry met Anna Nicole Smith at the very same gala in 2003 while working as a photographer. Since Dannielynn was three years old, he has taken her to the Derby each year, blending cherished memories with new traditions.
“It’s kind of the growth chart for Dannielynn,” Larry told Fox News Digital, noting that this rare public appearance is one of the few he allows for his daughter. “People look for her there because she doesn’t do many public events.”
As Dannielynn continues to honor her mother’s legacy, the moment served as a poignant reminder of family, memory, and the enduring bond between mother and daughter.