Dannielynn Birkhead, 19, continued to embrace her evolving fashion choices at the 2026 Kentucky Derby on Saturday, according to a report from Extratv.com. The young woman, known for her goth-chic aesthetic, wore a floral Mac Duggal dress paired with a black-and-white fascinator and a two-toned hairstyle, which she described as ‘cool and crazy for the rest of my life until I’m like 80 or something.’

Family Tradition and Public Appearances

Accompanied by her father, Larry Birkhead, the pair made their annual appearance at the Derby, a tradition they’ve maintained since Dannielynn was three years old, according to People en Español. Larry shared photos on Instagram of Dannielynn wearing a black Gianfranco Ferre dress, valued at $780, which she had previously worn to the Barnstable-Brown Gala. Larry noted that the dress was part of Janet Jackson’s collection, purchased at a charity auction.

Earlier in the weekend, Dannielynn also attended the Barnstable-Brown Gala, where she was joined by Patti LaBelle, who playfully invited Larry to perform with her onstage. According to Extratv.com, Larry confided that Dannielynn was ‘unimpressed’ by her father’s dancing.

Family History and Legal Background

Dannielynn’s early life has been marked by tragedy. Her older brother, Daniel Wayne Smith, died of an overdose just days after her birth in 2006, according to OK! Magazin. Her mother, Anna Nicole Smith, died the following year at age 39. A legal battle followed over Dannielynn’s paternity, which was resolved when DNA testing confirmed Larry Birkhead as her biological father. He later adopted her and raised her in his home state of Kentucky.

According to GALA.de, Dannielynn is currently studying forensic science and has expressed interest in pursuing a second degree in gastronomy. Larry has encouraged her to follow her own path, stating, ‘I look forward to her taking the path she wants.’ While some may hope she follows in her mother’s footsteps as a model, Dannielynn has so far chosen to focus on her education and personal interests.

Public Perception and Fashion Choices

Her bold fashion choices have drawn attention, particularly her recent hair transformation. According to Extratv.com, Dannielynn admitted she was surprised by the positive reactions to her new look. ‘I got a lot of compliments on my hair, and it made me happy because I don’t mean to offend anyone,’ she said.

On Instagram, Larry described her latest outfit as inspired by her favorite character, Hino Eiji from Kamen Rider OO TaJaDor, according to AhoraMismo.com. He also shared a lighthearted caption about their weekend: ‘Oye lo que sea que funcione, sólo tratando de pasar un poco de tiempo de calidad mientras este fin de semana de tradiciones se acercan a un fin de semana.’

As Dannielynn continues to grow into her own identity, she remains a public figure shaped by her family’s past while forging a new path forward.