Dannielynn Birkhead is ready for a day at the races.
After all, the daughter of the late Anna Nicole Smith stepped out with dad Larry Birkhead at the 35th annual Barnstable Brown Kentucky Derby Eve Gala May 3.
For the occasion, the 17-year-old wore a black Gianfranco Ferre dress once owned by Janet Jackson and purchased at Julien's Auctions. She paired the look with black lace-up boots. Meanwhile, Larry, 51, wore a light gray suit and a black tie.
Dannielynn, who made her Kentucky Derby debut in 2010 at 3 years old, had found creative ways to honor her mom in her outfits during the event. Last year, she paid tribute to model —who died in 2007 at 39—by wearing a top featuring photos from Anna Nicole's 1992 Guess campaign. She also topped the look off with some of the late model's jewelry.
It's a special event for the father-daughter duo, who attend every year. Larry explained on Instagram in May 2023, "Tonight is the 20th anniversary where I met Dannielynn's Mom at the same event."
For the photographer, making Dannielyn, who was just 5 months old when Anna Nicole died, feel connected to her mom has been crucial. This has included bringing her to meet the late television personality's childhood friends in Mexia, Texas and gifting Dannielynn some of her mom's belongings, like the wedding dress she wore to marry J. Howard Marshall II in 1994.
"Anna should be remembered as this larger-than-life figure that was really a caring, giving person," Larry shared on 20/20 in February 2021. "A beautiful lady who loved her fans and loved her family."
But most importantly, Larry emphasized how much she would love the person Dannielynn has become.
"You are funny, crazy smart, pretty and just about everything I could ever imagine," he wrote in Dannielynn's birthday tribute on Instagram in September. "Your Mom would be so proud of you, I sure am."
Read on to see how Dannielynn has honored Anna Nicole in her outfits each year at the Kentucky Derby.
2010
She's her mother's daughter, all right!
2011
Who needs a fascinator when you're this fabulous?
2012
Flower power! Anna Nicole's mini-me's fascinator is in full bloom.
2013
Chim chim cheree! The daddy-daughter duo take inspiration from Mary Poppins.
2014
Larry leads the way as Dannielynn smiles for the cameras.
2015
Think pink! Dannielynn and Larry pick coordinating colors for their festive frocks.
2016
At just 10 years old, Dannielynn is already a red carpet veteran!
2017
Everything's coming up roses for the twosome!
2018
Dannielynn and her dad are feeling blue, in a good way!
2019
The tween is all smiles in a yellow floral dress as she poses with her dad.
2019
Dannielynn and Larry attend the 2019 Kentucky Derby. He tweeted, "Kentucky Derby time once again. Dannielynn looks pretty in pink in her dress by Junona and her Mom's hat from her unforgettable appearance at The Kentucky Derby in 2004 #KentuckyDerby2019."
2021
All smiles!
2021
Masked up!
2021
They're back! Dannielynn and dad Larryreturned to celebrate the Kentucky Derby with these corresponding looks a day before the annual event.
2022
Larry and Dannielynn appear at the 2022 Barnstable-Brown Gala, a Kentucky Derby pre-party. Dannielynn is wearing the outfit that Janet Jackson wore to the 2003 Barnstable-Brown Gala. Larry said it was purchased in a Julien's Auction, with proceeds benefitting charity.
2022
Anna Nicole Smith's daughter, then 15, sports a colorful look as she poses with dad Larry Birkhead at the 2022 Kentucky Derby.
2023
The 16-year-old steps out in style with her dad Larry Birkhead after paying tribute to her late mom with a fashion statement at the Barnstable Brown Kentucky Derby Eve Gala in May 2023.
2024
The 17-year-old sports a Gianfranco Ferre dress once owned by Janet Jackson and purchased at Julien's Auctions while attending the Barnstable Brown Kentucky Derby Eve Gala in May 2024.
2024
The 17-year-old appears with her dad Larry Birkhead en route to the 2024 Kentucky Derby, and debuts a new lob hairstyle.
2025
While joining her dad Larry Birkhead at the Barnstable Brown gala during 2025 Kentucky Derby weekend, the 18-year-old wore the same outfit her late mom wore to the same annual party in 2004.
2025
The two coordinated in aqua at the main event.