Larry Birkhead Says People Want Daughter Dannielynn, 19, to ‘Follow’ in Mom Anna Nicole Smith’s ‘Footsteps’ (Exclusive)

**Dannielynn Birkhead Embraces Independence as College Journey Begins**

Dannielynn Birkhead, the daughter of the late Anna Nicole Smith, is stepping firmly into her own identity as she navigates life as a college student. Attending the Barnstable Brown Gala in May 2026, the 19-year-old reflected on her academic pursuits and her desire to carve out a unique place for herself in the world.

During an exclusive interview at this high-profile charity event, held just before the Kentucky Derby, Dannielynn shared insights into her studies. “I’m majoring in forensic science,” she revealed. Not stopping there, she also hinted at a potential double major in culinary arts, driven by her passion for baking. “I might double major, possibly, in something regarding culinary, because I love baking,” she said, adding, “I don’t know,” indicating that her academic journey is still evolving.

Larry Birkhead, Dannielynn’s father and a prominent photographer, proudly accompanied her at the gala. He expressed immense pride in his daughter’s achievements, regardless of the path she ultimately chooses. “I’m excited for her to just follow any path that she wants,” he noted. Although many hope she will follow in her mother’s footsteps in the entertainment industry, Birkhead emphasised the importance of allowing his daughter to explore her interests. “Right now, she’s kind of wanting to do her own thing with the forensics and the criminal studies,” he explained.

Jetzt, as Dannielynn has completed her first semester, her father shared that she performed commendably, noting, “She got good grades.” Reflecting on her academic journey, he likened her determination to that of a racehorse. “It was a little bit of a struggle to get across the finish line, like these horse races, but she got the steam at the end, and she pushed it across. She did a great job,” adding that he is proud of her in every respect.

The bond between Larry and Dannielynn is evident, especially as they partake in annual visits to the Barnstable Brown Gala, which supports the Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center at the University of Kentucky. This charity event has been a significant platform for raising awareness and funds, amassing over £22 million since its establishment by sisters Patricia and Priscilla Barnstable, alongside their family members.

This year, Dannielynn showcased a new personal style at the gala, a manifestation of her ongoing journey towards individuality. However, she is not averse to the comparisons made to her late mother. In her reflections, she expressed, “They always make me feel good because I love my mum.” Despite losing her mother when she was just five months old, Dannielynn finds a sense of comfort in those connections to Anna Nicole Smith. “She’s super pretty, and I like being compared to her in the sense of like, ‘Oh, I’m pretty too.’ But I also like being known as my own person,” she remarked.

While the legacy of Smith looms large, Dannielynn is determined to assert her own identity in a world that often prefers to define her through her mother’s fame. “It’s always like, ‘Anna Nicole Smith’s daughter,’ and never just Dannielynn. So I’m hoping my look right now will kind of help with that in a way,” she shared. Larry echoed his daughter’s sentiment, expressing his happiness for her journey towards becoming an independent individual.

As the pair continue to navigate the complexities of fame and legacy, it is clear that both are committed to supporting each other in their respective journeys. From forging her own path in academia to redefining her personal brand, Dannielynn Birkhead stands as a testament to resilience and individuality, gracefully balancing her heritage while embracing her uniqueness.