How Larry Birkhead Protects Daughter Dannielynn From Clout Chasers
Larry Birkhead is always looking out for his daughter.
The photographer got candid about how he makes sure that his and Anna Nicole Smith's 18-year-old daughter Dannielynn Birkhead only keeps people around who have her best interest at heart.
"It’s hard," Larry exclusively told E! News' Francesca Amiker ahead of Father's Day 2025. "When she was younger and had friends over, or went out, it was tough figuring out who was genuine."
As a result, the 52-year-old is selective about who he and the teenager spend time with.
"I’ve always tried to protect her," he continued, "not just from media and paparazzi, but even people we let into our circle."
And Larry admitted that occasionally his efforts haven't been entirely successful. As he put it, "Some had great intentions, but others didn’t."
"Some would say, 'I want to hang out with you because I think I can get on Entertainment Tonight,' or 'Can you help my kid model? or 'We need a vacation but can’t afford it,'" Larry recalled. "You hear all kinds of things."
Luckily, Larry feels confident that he's weeded out most of the bad apples.
"She has great friends—but I’ve learned to keep one eye open," the MadTV actor shared. "It feels like I’m always on security duty, always scanning the room. We’ve had to make life adjustments. But at the same time, we’ve had so much support."
And he's especially aware of others' kindness when Father's Day rolls around—a time when he receives tons of touching messages from friends and family about how well he's managed being a single parent to Dannielynn, who was born six months before her mom Anna Nicole died of a fatal overdose in 2007.
"People come up and say, 'You’ve inspired me as a single parent,' or 'Anna inspired me.' Especially around Father’s Day, I get those comments—and I actually make them repeat it," Larry told E!, quipping that he'll ask, “Could you say that again? Oh, I’m a good dad? One more time, please!”
Still, nothing is more rewarding than watching Dannielynn come into her own as she prepares to head off to college.
"Her mom only went to school until the 10th grade, and I’ve always encouraged Dannielynn to aim higher—even higher than me," he said. "I’m proud of the young woman she’s become: silly, smart, fun and beautiful."
For more on Larry and Dannielynn's adorable father-daughter relationship, keep reading.
She's her mother's daughter, all right!
Who needs a fascinator when you're this fabulous?
Flower power! Anna Nicole's mini-me's fascinator is in full bloom.
Chim chim cheree! The daddy-daughter duo take inspiration from Mary Poppins.
Larry leads the way as Dannielynn smiles for the cameras.
Think pink! Dannielynn and Larry pick coordinating colors for their festive frocks.
At just 10 years old, Dannielynn is already a red carpet veteran!
Everything's coming up roses for the twosome!
Dannielynn and her dad are feeling blue, in a good way!
The tween is all smiles in a yellow floral dress as she poses with her dad.
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."
They're back! Dannielynn and dad Larryreturned to celebrate the Kentucky Derby with these corresponding looks a day before the annual event.
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.
Anna Nicole Smith's daughter, then 15, sports a colorful look as she poses with dad Larry Birkhead at the 2022 Kentucky Derby.
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.
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.
The 17-year-old appears with her dad Larry Birkhead en route to the 2024 Kentucky Derby, and debuts a new lob hairstyle.
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.
The two coordinated in aqua at the main event.
eonline
