A Special Tradition Continues
Larry Birkhead is a man who truly values tradition. Each year, he takes his daughter Dannielynn to the Kentucky Derby, a place that holds a special significance for him. It was at this iconic event in 2003 that he first met Anna Nicole Smith, the late model and mother of Dannielynn. This year, Birkhead shared some rare photos of the day on Instagram, capturing the unique bond between father and daughter.
“And We’re Off… to The 152nd @kentuckyderby with Dannielynn after an awesome Barnstable-Brown party last night,” he captioned the post. The father-daughter duo made a striking appearance, both dressed in matching black and white ensembles. Dannielynn wore a strapless Mac Duggal gown paired with a fascinator from The Hat Haven, creating a look that was both elegant and stylish.
In a video from the event posted by Access Hollywood, Dannielynn was asked what she thought her mother would think of her outfit. She responded with confidence, saying she believes her mum would like it. “She was cool and I’m cool,” she said, while Birkhead added, “she’d love it.”
A Deep Connection
Birkhead and Smith’s relationship began at the 2003 Kentucky Derby, and they kept their romance largely private. They welcomed Dannielynn in September 2006, but tragedy struck just five months later when Smith passed away in February 2005. Since then, Birkhead has raised Dannielynn as a single parent, ensuring that she carries the legacy of her mother with pride.
Last year’s Kentucky Derby was particularly meaningful for the pair. In May 2025, Birkhead shared on Instagram that during the Barnstable-Brown Derby Eve Gala, Dannielynn chose to wear her mother’s “iconic” dress from the same event. This decision was not only a tribute to Smith but also a way for Dannielynn to feel closer to her.
“I can’t know my mom, sadly, and this is one of the only reasons and ways I can,” she told Access Hollywood at the event. “This is the closest I’ll ever be getting to a hug from her, so I’ve been, like, on and off tears the whole day.”
A Legacy of Love
Dannielynn’s choice to wear her mother’s dress highlights the deep emotional connection she feels towards Anna Nicole Smith. Despite never having the chance to know her mother personally, Dannielynn continues to honor her through moments like these. Her presence at the Kentucky Derby each year serves as a reminder of the love and legacy that her parents created together.
The Kentucky Derby is more than just a horse race; it is a symbol of tradition, family, and memory. For Birkhead and Dannielynn, it represents a special bond that transcends time. Their annual pilgrimage to the event is a celebration of love, resilience, and the enduring impact of a mother’s presence in a child’s life.
As Dannielynn grows older, the stories and traditions passed down from her father will continue to shape her understanding of her mother. Each year at the Kentucky Derby, she steps into the world that her mother once helped create, carrying forward a legacy that is both personal and profound.
The Importance of Family Traditions
Family traditions play a crucial role in maintaining connections across generations. For Birkhead and Dannielynn, the Kentucky Derby is more than just an event—it is a cherished ritual that keeps their family’s history alive. These traditions provide a sense of continuity and identity, especially for those who may have lost a loved one.
By participating in events like the Kentucky Derby, Dannielynn is able to connect with her mother’s memory in a tangible way. Whether through wearing a dress or simply being present at a place where her parents first met, she finds comfort in the familiarity of these moments.
These traditions also serve as a way for Birkhead to ensure that Dannielynn feels connected to her heritage. Through shared experiences and meaningful gestures, he helps her understand the importance of family and the lasting impact of love.
As the years go by, the significance of these traditions will only grow. They are a testament to the strength of familial bonds and the power of memory in shaping our lives. For Birkhead and Dannielynn, the Kentucky Derby is not just a race—it is a celebration of love, loss, and the enduring spirit of family.
