Dannielynn Birkhead is the daughter of the late Anna Nicole Smith and her partner Larry Birkhead. Born in 2006, Dannielynn was just 5 months old when her mother tragically passed away. After a highly publicized paternity battle, Larry Birkhead was confirmed to be Dannielynn’s biological father and was granted custody.
Now 16 years old, Dannielynn has grown up under the spotlight and scrutiny that comes with being Anna Nicole’s daughter. In this article, we will take a deep dive into Dannielynn’s background, her current life, and analyze what Dannielynn Birkhead net worth looks like as the heir to her mother’s estate and fortune.
Who is Dannielynn Birkhead?
Dannielynn Hope Marshall Birkhead was born on September 7, 2006 in the Bahamas. Her mother was the famous model, actress and television personality Anna Nicole Smith. The identity of Dannielynn’s father was initially unknown, as Anna Nicole was involved in relationships with multiple men around the time of conception.
Anna Nicole named her close friend and lawyer Howard K. Stern as Dannielynn’s father on her daughter’s birth certificate. But after Anna Nicole’s sudden death in February 2007 from an accidental drug overdose, a paternity battle ensued between Stern and photographer Larry Birkhead, who also claimed to potentially be the father.
In April 2007, DNA test results confirmed that Larry Birkhead was in fact Dannielynn’s biological father. Birkhead was granted custody and changed Dannielynn’s last name from Stern to Birkhead. He moved with her from the Bahamas to his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky to raise her out of the public spotlight.
Dannielynn’s Early Life & Upbringing
Growing up, Dannielynn split time between Louisville and Los Angeles. Larry worked hard to provide a stable, loving home life for his daughter away from prying media eyes. Dannielynn was largely kept out of the public eye during her early childhood.
According to Larry, he wanted Dannielynn to have a normal upbringing and the chance at a regular childhood. This meant enrolling her in public school under a different last name and not exposing her to fame. In interviews over the years, Larry has emphasized his commitment to making sure Dannielynn felt loved, supported and grounded.
As she got older, Larry slowly introduced Dannielynn to the public side of being Anna Nicole Smith’s daughter. At age six, she made her public debut on the Today Show with her dad. A few years later in 2012, a nine-year-old Dannielynn attended the Kentucky Derby with Larry, starting a fun yearly tradition for the pair.
Dannielynn’s Bond with Her Father
By all accounts, Larry Birkhead and Dannielynn share an incredibly close bond. He is clearly devoted to her happiness and well-being. They often attend big events together dressed in matching outfits, showing their fun-loving connection.
In interviews, Larry frequently gushes about what an amazing daughter Dannielynn is. He calls her his greatest accomplishment in life and has said she is “wicked smart and has great grades.”
While Dannielynn tragically lost her mother at a very young age, she has clearly flourished under the care of her loving father. Their close relationship is heartwarming to see. It’s clear Larry has done an incredible job helping Dannielynn grow into a well-adjusted, smart and thoughtful young woman despite a difficult start to life.
Dannielynn Today
Today, 16-year-old Dannielynn lives with her dad Larry in Kentucky. By all accounts, she leads a pretty normal teenage life when she’s not making public appearances. Dannielynn attends a traditional high school where her father says she thrives academically and socially.
According to Larry, Dannielynn is a talented artist who loves to draw. She is also an avid fisherwoman who enjoys casting a line with her dad on the water. Dannielynn also remains close with her late mother’s family in Texas and visits them regularly.
While he strives to give Dannielynn a regular upbringing, Larry does allow her to occasionally step into the spotlight. She often accompanies him to the Kentucky Derby, where all eyes are on Anna Nicole’s beautiful lookalike daughter. Dannielynn also sometimes walks red carpets with Larry, dazzling photographers with her graceful presence and beaming smile.
But Larry maintains that he only allows these public appearances on Dannielynn’s terms. “If there’s something she wants to do, I’ll support it as long as it’s a healthy choice,” Larry has stated. Above all, he aims to let Dannielynn pursue her interests and live life on her own terms.
What is Dannielynn Birkhead’s Net Worth?
As Anna Nicole Smith’s sole heir, Dannielynn stands to inherit her late mother’s fortune one day. But what is that inheritance worth exactly? Let’s take a look at what Dannielynn Birkhead’s current net worth is estimated to be:
Anna Nicole Smith’s Estate
When she died in 2007 at age 39, Anna Nicole Smith left behind an estate valued at around $1.5 million. This included cash, property, jewelry, clothing and other personal items.
However, the vast majority of Anna Nicole Smith’s fortune was lost in her lengthy legal battle against the estate of her late elderly husband, J. Howard Marshall. Smith married the 89-year old oil tycoon in 1994 when she was 26 and he died just a year later. His estate was worth over $1 billion.
Smith spent years fighting his son in court over her right to inherit half of that fortune, claiming she was promised the money. After Smith’s death, the legal battle continued on behalf of her estate. But in 2011, the Supreme Court ruled against Smith’s estate.
As a result, Anna Nicole was not able to leave behind the enormous inheritance she had anticipated for her daughter. Instead, Dannielynn received around $1.5 million when she turned 18, along with all of her mother’s personal possessions.
Earnings From Public Appearances
While a relatively small inheritance, Dannielynn and her father have found other lucrative ways to honor Anna Nicole’s legacy. As Anna Nicole’s lookalike daughter, Dannielynn can command hefty fees from media outlets for interviews, photoshoots, public appearances and more.
It’s estimated Larry has been paid well into six figures for exclusive interviews and photo deals over the years. Dannielynn also endorses brands like Guess Kids, the same company that famously launched her mother’s career decades prior. These endorsement deals surely come with sizable paychecks for the famous teenager.
Kentucky Derby Appearances
Dannielynn and her father are specifically known to earn big paydays from their annual appearances at the Kentucky Derby.
Sponsored VIP tickets and access to the events, luxury suites and insider parties surrounding the famous horse race can cost brands or media companies tens of thousands for the father/daughter duo. On top of appearance fees, the Birkheads also get showered with lavish gifts, vacations and more perks.
It’s estimated that Larry and Dannielynn pull in a hefty six-figure payday each year from their Derby weekend appearances alone. That’s in addition to the publicity and free travel the Derby provides them annually.
Conservatively Estimated Net Worth: $3 Million
Given all of these known income sources and inheritances, it’s estimated that Dannielynn Birkhead has a current net worth of about $3 million. While nowhere near her late mother’s intended fortune, this net worth is still substantial for someone so young.
As she grows up and is able to take fuller control of her public image and branding, Dannielynn has the potential to grow her wealth even more. She could easily establish herself as a model, celebrity or influencer should she choose to pursue those paths. For now though, the down-to-earth teenager seems content living a relatively private life outside the spotlight with the support of her devoted dad.
Dannielynn’s Potential Future Inheritance
While Anna Nicole was not able to leave her billion dollar inheritance to her daughter as intended, Dannielynn may still inherit new fortune later in life.
Her grandfather J. Howard Marshall had a son named E. Pierce Marshall. When E. Pierce Marshall dies, his remaining estate will be passed down to his two sons. If either of those sons die without children, a portion of the estate could potentially go to Dannielynn as Anna Nicole Smith’s legal heir.
This means it’s possible Dannielynn could ultimately inherit part of the oil fortune her mother fought so hard for. At minimum, she stands to gain assets, property, investments or cash. Some estimates indicate she could eventually inherit around $30 million or more down the road.
Of course nothing is guaranteed when it comes to future inheritances. But there remains a chance Dannielynn could substantially grow her wealth later in life once estates are settled. For now though, she remains grounded and focused on her future, not fretting over money she doesn’t have or count on yet.
Dannielynn’s Net Worth Takeaways:
- Dannielynn inherited around $1.5 million from her mother’s modest estate in addition to personal belongings.
- She and her father earn substantial fees from interviews, photoshoots, endorsements and appearances tied to Anna Nicole’s fame.
- The Kentucky Derby provides their biggest annual payday, conservatively estimated in the six-figures range.
- Combining inheritances and income, Dannielynn is estimated to have a current net worth of around $3 million.
- She may inherit much larger fortunes in the future from her grandfather and great-uncle’s estates once settled.
- Now 16, Dannielynn’s net worth could continue to grow substantially if she pursues modeling or becomes a public figure as an adult.
- But for now, she seems focused on normal teenage life and not counting on future riches she can’t control.
Dannielynn’s Grounded, Modest Lifestyle
Despite her substantial net worth at just 16 and famous background, those close to Dannielynn emphasize her remarkably grounded nature. She was raised in Louisville far from Hollywood and has had a stable, loving home thanks to her devoted dad.
In interviews, Larry Birkhead regularly praises his daughter’s maturity, kindness, resilience and independence. He takes pride in the fact she is so well-adjusted despite such a turbulent start to life.
Friends describe Dannielynn as humble, generous and unwaveringly polite. She is not spoiled by money and remains very modest in her lifestyle and choices. For instance, at the Kentucky Derby she apparently asks to wear a dress she already owns rather than asking for a new expensive gown each year.
Considering the tragedy she endured losing her mother so young, Dannielynn’s modesty and humility are that much more remarkable. All signs point to Larry having raised an unaffected, well-mannered daughter committed to making smart decisions.
As she navigates growing up in the spotlight and managing her inheritance, Dannielynn will continue to lean on the loving support of her dad. He will undoubtedly serve as a guiding voice of reason when it comes to money and public image.
Conclusion
Despite losing her celebrity mother at only five months old, Dannielynn Birkhead has grown up with the support and care of her devoted father Larry Birkhead. While she inherited a modest $1.5 million from Anna Nicole’s estate, wise financial choices by her dad have allowed her to grow Dannielynn Birkhead net worth to an estimated $3 million already at just 16.
Between endorsement deals, appearances, photoshoots and potential future inheritances, Dannielynn could accrue far greater fortunes as an adult if she pursues modeling or fame. For now though, she remains committed to a regular teenage life and avoiding the pitfalls of excessive wealth and public scrutiny.
Thanks to her dad’s measured, loving parenting, Dannielynn has every chance to continue growing into a grounded, successful and happy young woman, living life on her own terms – just as her mother would have wanted.
FAQs
Q: What was Anna Nicole Smith’s net worth when she died?
A: Anna Nicole Smith’s estate was valued at around $1.5 million when she died in 2007 at age 39. The vast majority of her intended billion dollar inheritance was tied up in lengthy legal battles.
Q: How much did Dannielynn Birkhead inherit from Anna Nicole Smith?
A: When she turned 18 in 2024, Dannielynn inherited around $1.5 million from her mother’s estate as her sole heir. She also received all of Anna Nicole’s possessions, jewelry, property and belongings.
Q: Why does Dannielynn earn so much money from the Kentucky Derby?
A: As Anna Nicole Smith’s lookalike daughter, Dannielynn draws huge media interest when she attends the Kentucky Derby annually. Media outlets, sponsors and brands pay her and dad Larry six-figure appearance fees tied to the event.
Q: What is Larry Birkhead’s net worth?
A: Larry Birkhead’s net worth is estimated at $5 million. In addition to appearance fees tied to Dannielynn, he has worked as a professional photographer and runs a successful photography business.
Q: Could Dannielynn inherit a large fortune later in life?
A: It’s possible. Dannielynn stands to one day inherit part of her late great-uncle J. Howard Marshall’s estate, conservatively estimated around $30 million or more, once it’s passed down through the generations.
