Sophia Michaels
Dannielynn Birkhead, the daughter of late Playboy model Anna Nicole Smith, was born into a life filled with tragedy and challenges. She lost her half-brother, Daniel Smith, just three days after her birth, and soon after, her mother passed away when Dannielynn was only five months old. Anna Nicole’s relationship with her then-boyfriend and attorney, Howard K. Stern, was complicated by doubts about her daughter’s paternity.
Following Anna Nicole’s death, a sensational paternity battle captured media attention. Eventually, DNA testing confirmed that Larry Birkhead, a photographer, was Dannielynn’s father, excluding Stern and three other men from the possibility. This situation was especially poignant as Anna Nicole was embroiled in a legal dispute over a vast fortune inherited from her late billionaire husband, J. Howard Marshall. Despite the potential for a $475 million inheritance, Dannielynn has chosen to lead a private life and is gearing up for college, demonstrating a strong bond with her father, Birkhead.
The tragic backdrop of Dannielynn’s arrival
Dannielynn’s birth on September 7, 2006, was marred by sorrow. Her mother, Anna Nicole Smith, welcomed her with joy only to face heartbreak just days later when her son, Daniel, died from an accidental overdose while visiting her in the Bahamas. Anna discovered Daniel unresponsive and attempted to wake him, prompting her to call for help. In the aftermath of this trauma, Anna honored her lost son by naming her daughter Dannielynn. However, the loss was devastating for her; Howard K. Stern later articulated that Daniel was incredibly important to Anna, and with both Daniel and Anna gone, Dannielynn was left without close family.
Paternity claims ensue after Anna Nicole’s death
Almost immediately after Anna Nicole announced her pregnancy, questions regarding the father of her baby became a major topic. Shortly after Dannielynn’s arrival, Larry Birkhead initiated a paternity lawsuit against Anna. Following this, a birth certificate surfaced naming Howard K. Stern as the father, which led to further claims from multiple men, including Zsa Zsa Gabor’s spouse and Anna’s bodyguard. Additionally, Anna’s half-sister alleged that Anna had used her late husband Howard Marshall’s frozen sperm for conception. The legal proceedings gained traction since Stern hadn’t personally signed the birth certificate, making it invalid.
In February 2007, the court hearings began, allowing various men to present their claims regarding their relationships with Anna. DNA tests later confirmed that Larry Birkhead was indeed the biological father in April 2007, and Stern subsequently opted to withdraw his fight for custody. “We’ll do whatever it takes,” he stated, marking a significant turn in Dannielynn’s paternity saga.
Larry Birkhead Advocates for Dannielynn’s Welfare
In court, Larry Birkhead expressed his commitment to ensuring Dannielynn’s best interests are prioritized, aiming for sole custody. He stated his intentions to protect her in any way possible.
Dannielynn Birkhead Relocates to Kentucky
To provide Dannielynn with a more private upbringing, Larry moved back to Louisville, Kentucky. He shared that this choice was deliberate to minimize public scrutiny and false narratives regarding their lives. Larry wanted his daughter to lead a normal life away from the spotlight.
Even though celebrity interest persisted, Larry managed it by turning down requests for her to participate in acting or modeling. His wish was for Dannielynn to grow up as a regular child, interested in technology and YouTube videos, which she enjoys.
Additionally, Dannielynn gravitated towards Japanese media, and when she expressed the desire to dress as a character from a favorite show, Larry embraced the challenge of creating the costume himself from scratch.
Father and Daughter Make Derby Appearances
Every May, Dannielynn and Larry attend the Kentucky Derby, a tradition that started when he decided to bring her along as a toddler after a babysitter cancellation. This annual event has become a memorable way to honor her late mother, Anna Nicole Smith, as it is where Larry and Anna met.
Through attending the Derby in matching outfits, they celebrate Anna’s memory. Larry shares anecdotes of Anna with Dannielynn to ensure she understands her mother’s caring nature beyond her public persona.
Dannielynn Aspires to Pursue Forensic Science
Thanks to her upbringing away from Hollywood, Dannielynn has chosen an academic path that reflects her interests rather than a showbiz career. She plans to double major in forensic science and Japanese studies, inspired since childhood by shows like Dateline.
Despite moving from Kentucky, Larry feels proud that her upbringing has prepared her for success elsewhere. With a focus on school, Dannielynn achieved Honor Roll status during her junior high school year, making her father immensely proud as she navigated challenges, including the loss of his mother during that time.
