Anna Nicole Smiths Daughter Has Been Out of Spotlight for Years & Now Looks Older than Her

Publish date: 2024-06-18

Born on September 7, 2006, Dannielynn Birkhead faced a challenging start to her life; her journey was marked by heartbreak and adversity. Tragedy struck early when, just three days after her birth, her 20-year-old brother, Daniel Smith, tragically passed away while visiting their mother, the former Playboy Playmate Anna Nicole Smith, at Doctors Hospital in the Bahamas.

Daniel had flown from the United States to the Bahamas the night before to meet his newborn sister. However, the joyous occasion quickly turned into sorrow as Daniel was found unresponsive in his mother's hospital room at about 9:00 a.m. on September 10, 2006. Despite immediate medical attention, he was pronounced dead.

Anna Nicole Smith (1967-2007), at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 11, 1993 | Source: Getty Images

An autopsy revealed that Daniel died from a "cocktail" of prescription drugs, including methadone, which was a devastating discovery for the family. Authorities investigated the circumstances surrounding his death to determine the cause, but there were no signs of foul play or violence to the body.

The youngster also adored applying makeup to an etched image of her mother on the floor of their house.

Unfortunately, the grief didn't end there for the young girl. Her mother also faced an untimely demise. Anna, who had sought refuge from the spotlight in the Bahamas, struggled with personal challenges and battled with prescription drug use. On February 8, 2007, at 39, she was found unconscious in a Florida hotel room and was rushed to the hospital, where she tragically passed away.

The medical examiner later determined her cause of death to be an accidental drug overdose involving a combination of muscle relaxants, pain relievers like methadone, and several anti-anxiety medicines. This tragedy added another layer of heartache to the girl's life as she faced the loss of her mother and the complexities of her mom's public image.

Anna Nicole Smith and her son Daniel Smith at Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, in July 2004 | Source: Getty Images

Amidst the difficulties and uncertainties surrounding paternity, a pivotal moment arrived when Larry Birkhead, a photographer, took a determined step to prove his biological relationship with Anna's daughter. After a legal battle that lasted months, a paternity test was conducted in April 2007.

The DNA test results confirmed what Larry had believed all along — he was indeed the little girl's biological father. Overwhelmed with emotion, Larry tearfully spoke at a press conference outside a courthouse in the Bahamas, exclaiming, "I hate to be the one who told you this, but: I told you so. I'm the father."

Larry also thanked everyone for their support and encouragement throughout the legal process. Despite some ongoing issues to be addressed in court, he was ready to take on his role as a father and looked forward to bringing Dannielynn home.

Before the DNA test results, Howard K. Stern, Anna's companion, was listed as the father on Dannielynn's birth certificate. However, after the revelation of Larry's paternity, Howard showed his support by hugging Larry outside the courthouse and expressing his commitment to ensuring Dannielynn's best interests were served, adding, "I'm going to do whatever I can to make sure that he gets sole custody."

Daniel Ross with his sister, American glamour model and actress Anna Nicole Smith, and her son, Daniel Wayne Smith at Club Tatou in Los Angeles, California, in November 1993 | Source: Getty Images

Why Did the Father Raise His Girl Away from the Public Eye?

In May 2023, Larry geared up for his annual appearance at the Barnstable-Brown Kentucky Derby, accompanied by his daughter, Dannielynn, commemorating the 20th anniversary of his chance meeting with Anna at the same event.

In an exclusive interview, the father of one shared intimate details about their rollercoaster four-year relationship leading up to Anna's tragic death, shedding light on their enchanting encounter at the Kentucky Derby in 2003, where she blew him kisses. Their magical love story began the following year when they crossed paths again.

After their second meeting at the Kentucky Derby gala, Anna invited Larry to leave his home in Kentucky and move in with her in Los Angeles. They spent two-and-a-half years together until she moved to the Bahamas while pregnant with their daughter, Dannielynn.

Photographer Larry Birkhead and daughter Dannielynn Birkhead attend the 137th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 7, 2011, in Louisville, Kentucky | Source: Getty Images

Amidst a legal battle for a $30 million inheritance, the former actress wed Howard to solidify his status as Dannielynn's father, which resulted in a bitter custody battle for Larry following Anna's untimely passing.

However, after winning custody and amending Dannielynn's birth certificate, Larry relocated to his home outside Louisville, Kentucky, where the daddy-daughter duo has been residing privately.

Throughout the years, Larry has given glimpses into their life together. In a January 2017 interview, he described Dannielynn's happy childhood, filled with typical activities for a girl her age, despite past rumors about her potential inheritance.

During a tour of their home in 2012, sources revealed that Dannielynn, who was five years old then, loved makeup and admired the pop star, Justin Bieber. The youngster also adored applying makeup to an etched image of her mother on the floor of their house.

Larry Birkhead is pictured with his young daughter, Dannielynn Birkhead, whom he shares with the former actress and model Anna Nicole Smith, on "Stars, Scars and Showbiz Kids," in January 2013. | Source: Getty Images

Dannielynn's school achievements, including being on the honor roll and taking college-level classes, made Larry a proud father. He emphasized his desire to shield his daughter from the media frenzy surrounding their family and his willingness to welcome other parental figures into their lives.

Larry tried to protect Dannielynn from misinformation surrounding the legal battle over Anna's estate and that of her late husband, James Howard Marshall, which would impact whether she would inherit any of James' fortune. The single father recalled an incident where they saw a YouTube video claiming Dannielynn was one of the wealthiest kids in America, to which he clarified that it was not the case.

According to reports, Anna's lawyers made their final attempt to access money from James' estate in 2014, seven years after her passing, but were unsuccessful.

Larry Birkhead and his daughter, Dannielynn, leave the red carpet before the 140th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on May 3, 2014. | Source: Getty Images

How Is Dannielynn Doing Now?

In another interview in May 2023, Larry shared some exclusive insights about his daughter's life and her connection to her late mother. As a high school junior, Dannielynn is starting to think about her future and exploring her mom's legacy.

While attending the 2023 Kentucky Derby and the Barnstable Brown Kentucky Derby Eve Gala, she made a fashion statement by wearing a black tulle skirt and blouse adorned with photos from Anna's famous "Guess" campaign.

The teenager is beginning to consider colleges, a prospect that makes Larry both proud and hesitant, as any parent would feel when their child prepares to leave the nest. She has expressed an interest in forensics, taking a high school forensic class. Her father finds their shared passion for crime-solving shows like "Dateline" an enjoyable bonding experience.

Having inherited some of her mother's clothing, Dannielynn has cataloged them in storage, appreciating the sentiment and being selective about her style choices.

With a big heart and a picky palate, Dannielynn reflects her mom's generous nature while being picky about her food choices. Larry closely monitors her social media usage to ensure her safety, allowing her to look at platforms like TikTok under a supervised and fake account.

A netizen's comment about Dannielynn Birkhead looking older than her actual age | Source: instagram.com/tmz_tv

A netizen shared their thoughts about Dannielynn Birkhead looking older than her actual age | Source: facebook.com/peoplemag

A netizen opined that Dannielynn Birkhead looked older while wearing makeup | Source: facebook.com/peoplemag

On her 16th birthday in September 2022, Dannielynn received a special surprise from her father. In an interview, she excitedly shared that Larry gifted her with tickets to see the legendary band "Kiss" in concert and a precious puppy.

Dannielynn resembles her late mother, often described as her mom's twin and spitting image. Netizens have commented that she looks older than her age due to her striking resemblance to her mother. "She looks older than 16," opined one user. "[Looks] way older," added a second commenter. "The makeup makes her look really old," noted another netizen.

Through the years, Dannielynn has taken part in various events and tributes to honor her late mother's memory, including modeling for "Guess Kids" in 2013, following in Anna's footsteps. Larry has always tried to provide her with a normal life away from the public eye and protect her from the legal battles surrounding her mother's estate.

Continuing their cherished tradition, Larry and Dannielynn make a yearly appearance at the Kentucky Derby. The annual event holds a special place in their hearts, commemorating the place where Larry first met Anna, and it remains a cherished father-daughter outing.

In the Bahamas, where Dannielynn was born, she is affectionately known as the "people's princess." The locals warmly embrace her and celebrate her connection to her mother, making her feel special and loved.

Despite losing her mother at a young age, Dannielynn has grown up to be a remarkable and accomplished young woman, admired for her resilience, charm, and strength.

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