Anna Nicole Smith’s look-alike daughter, Dannielynn, 18, wears late mom’s iconic dress ahead of Kentucky Derby

New York Post - May 3rd, 2025

Dannielynn Birkhead, daughter of the late Anna Nicole Smith, paid tribute to her mother by wearing the same dress Smith wore to the Kentucky Derby’s Barnstable Brown Gala in 2004. The 18-year-old donned the black gown with crystal-embellished straps, recreating the iconic look as a way to feel connected to her late mother. Her father, Larry Birkhead, shared the emotional moment on Instagram and revealed the sentimental nature of seeing his daughter wear the dress last worn by Smith before her death in 2007. He described the experience as surreal and touching, especially since Dannielynn had fond memories of the gown from her childhood.

The story highlights the emotional journey of Dannielynn exploring her mother's past through fashion. Larry Birkhead, who retains all of Anna Nicole Smith’s belongings, sees Dannielynn’s decision to wear her mother's dress as a meaningful step in understanding her legacy. This event underscores the lasting impact of Smith’s life and career on her daughter, while also illuminating the personal ways families remember and honor loved ones. The story also touches on themes of legacy, memory, and the emotional complexities of holding onto the past, especially in the wake of a public figure's untimely death.

Family Fashion Legacy Kentucky Derby Anna Nicole Smith Dannielynn Birkhead Larry Birkhead Barnstable Brown Gala

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

8.2

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The story excels in accuracy and clarity, providing a well-verified and emotionally engaging narrative about Dannielynn Birkhead wearing her mother's dress. It effectively uses credible sources and maintains a clear structure, making it accessible and informative. However, the article could benefit from a broader range of perspectives to enhance balance and public interest. While the impact and controversy are limited, the story remains relevant and engaging for those interested in celebrity culture and personal legacies.

Accuracy

The story is highly accurate, as it aligns well with verified sources. The claim that Dannielynn Birkhead wore Anna Nicole Smith's dress to the 2025 Barnstable Brown Gala is substantiated by Larry Birkhead's Instagram post and multiple interviews. The description of the dress and its significance is detailed and consistent across sources. However, the exact storage cost of $200,000 mentioned in the story lacks direct confirmation from the sources, slightly affecting precision.

Balance

The article primarily focuses on the emotional and personal aspects of Dannielynn wearing her mother's dress, providing a singular perspective centered on the Birkhead family. While it captures the sentimental value and personal journey, it lacks alternative viewpoints, such as insights from fashion experts or event organizers, which could provide a broader context.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and clear, with a logical flow that guides the reader through the narrative. The language is neutral and accessible, making it easy for readers to understand the emotional depth and context. The quotes are well-integrated, enhancing the story's comprehensibility.

Source quality

The story relies on credible sources, including direct quotes from Larry Birkhead and reputable publications like PEOPLE. The reliance on firsthand accounts and reputable media outlets enhances the article's credibility. However, the story would benefit from additional independent sources to further corroborate the details.

Transparency

The article is transparent in its presentation of facts, clearly attributing quotes and details to Larry Birkhead and other sources. It provides sufficient context about the emotional significance of the dress and the historical background of Anna Nicole Smith's death. However, it could improve by explicitly stating the methodology behind verifying the claims.