LOUISVILLE, KY — Dannielynn Birkhead, daughter of the late Anna Nicole Smith, made a heartfelt fashion statement at the 2025 Kentucky Derby on Saturday by wearing her mother’s gold jewelry, marking a sentimental tribute on one of horse racing’s biggest stages.
The 18-year-old, attending the iconic event alongside her father Larry Birkhead, dazzled in a strapless pale blue tulle gown by designer Mac Duggal. The floor-length dress, adorned with ruffled tiers and a vintage prom-style silhouette, was paired with several of Smith’s treasured accessories, including a gold pendant necklace, gold bangles, a gold watch, and a feather-trimmed fascinator.
“She’s got her mom’s jewelry on and a new dress,” Larry Birkhead told PEOPLE during a red carpet interview. “This is a cool dress, and it looks great on her.”
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This appearance continues a long-standing tradition between father and daughter, who have attended the Kentucky Derby together for over a decade. Their stylish arrivals have become an anticipated moment each spring, often drawing media attention and fan admiration.
“With that expectation, you have to ramp up the outfits each time,” Larry added, joking about the rising stakes of their Derby day fashion. “And as they ramp up, you know it gets more expensive too and it’s a lot of work.”
Dannielynn, now a legal adult, playfully shared how her Derby look came together this year. “I just ‘eeny, meeny, miny, moe’d it,’” she said, explaining how she picked the dress after getting overwhelmed with choices.
This isn’t the first time Dannielynn has honored her late mother through fashion. On Friday night, she wore one of Anna Nicole Smith’s original dresses — a glamorous backless gown — to the exclusive Barnstable Brown Gala, which kicks off Derby weekend festivities.
According to Larry, this was the first time Dannielynn had worn her mother’s gold necklace and bangles, making the occasion especially meaningful.
The teen recently celebrated her 18th birthday in September with a visit to the Beetlejuice Afterlife Experience in Los Angeles. In a series of photos shared by her father on their shared Instagram account, she was seen sporting a gothic-style outfit from Hot Topic and enjoying time with friends and family.
“Dannielynn had a great time celebrating her 18th birthday,” Larry captioned the post. “Of course, she found a Hot Topic store to get a spooky outfit for all the fun! Happy 18th Birthday Dannielynn!”
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Each year, the Kentucky Derby offers not only a spectacle of sport but also a touching glimpse into the bond between Dannielynn and her father — a relationship rooted in love, resilience, and remembrance.
Editor’s Note: Anna Nicole Smith passed away in 2007. Since then, Larry Birkhead has raised Dannielynn out of the public spotlight, appearing only at select events like the Kentucky Derby.