Dannielynn Birkhead, now 18 and all grown up, turned every head at the 2025 Barnstable Brown Gala in Louisville by slipping into a jaw-dropping, black sequined halter dress. But this wasn’t just any gown.
It was Anna Nicole Smith’s dress — the dress the blonde bombshell wore to that very same gala 21 years ago.
Yes, you read that right.
The teenager, who was just five months old when the world lost Anna Nicole in 2007, stepped into the late icon’s stilettos — literally and emotionally — bringing a full-circle moment that had fans in tears and jaws on the floor.
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“It’s the closest thing to a hug from my mom,” Dannielynn said of the powerful tribute. Cue the tissues.
And let’s be real — the resemblance? Chilling. From her platinum-blonde waves to that megawatt smile, Dannielynn channeled her mother like a scene from a Hollywood biopic. For a moment, it was as if Anna Nicole was back — bold, brash, and beautiful — gracing the gala she once ruled.
Dad Larry Birkhead, who met Anna at that very gala in 2003, was beaming beside his daughter. He’s made it a tradition to take Dannielynn to the annual Derby festivities, and this year’s appearance was the most poignant yet.
Posting to Instagram, he wrote: “Through the years I’ve saved many of Anna’s things for Dannielynn. Tonight, she wore this dress in honor of her mom. Emotional is an understatement.”
Let’s not forget, Larry shelled out over $200,000 to preserve Anna Nicole’s wardrobe and legacy. And now, we’re all witnessing why.
It wasn’t just a fashion moment. It was a resurrection.
The gala — known for its A-list crowd and wild Derby weekend energy — became a stage for remembrance. And just like her mom, Dannielynn owned it.
From reality TV tragedy to Kentucky Derby royalty, this is the kind of red carpet revenge story Hollywood wishes it could write.
But this? This was real. This was Anna’s spirit, strutting back into the spotlight — stitched into every inch of that gown.
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