Dannielynn Birkhead turned 20 on September 7, and her dad couldn't wait to post an emotional tribute to her.
To celebrate the milestone year for Dannielynn, the daughter of late model Anna Nicole Smith and photographer Larry Birkhead, her father took to Instagram with a message.
Larry shared a sweet series of throwback photos tracing Dannielynn's growth through the years, from a bright-eyed toddler to a stylish, independent young woman.
Along with the nostalgic carousel of memories, Larry kept his sweet message simple. "Happy 20th birthday, Dannielynn," he wrote, before adding red heart emojis and "Love, Dad."
In a fun nod to Dannielynn's distinct personal style, Larry also tagged her birthday outfits.
"Outfit : (1) Dress/Tights, etc: Social Collusion for Hot Topic. 2) Ghost T-shirt : Hot Topic."
Dannielynn's resemblance to her mom is undeniable
While Dannielynn loves to experiment with bold hair colors, edgy makeup and an independent sense of style, nothing can disguise her likeness to her late mom.
© FilmMagicIn fact, she's been known to wear pieces from her mom's iconic wardrobe.
Followers quickly flooded the comments of Larry's post with warm birthday wishes, and many pointed out just how much Dannielynn continues to look like Anna, who tragically passed away in February 2007 when Dannielynn was just five months old.
© Getty Images for Churchill DownsThroughout Dannielynn's life, Larry has earned praise for raising her away from the glare of the Hollywood spotlight, bringing his daughter up in Kentucky and building a quiet, grounded life.
A new chapter for Dannielynn
© Getty ImagesShe is now a college student and shared: "I'm majoring in forensic science. I might double major, possibly, in something regarding culinary, because I love baking." She added: "I don't know."
Dannielynn, who has kept the name of her college private, was joined by her father Larry at the Barnstable Brown Gala ahead of the 2026 Kentucky Derby, where he confessed that "a lot of people want her to follow in her mom's footsteps".
Anna was an American model, actress, and TV personality who rose to fame as a Playboy centerfold.
"She's thought about that," added Larry. "And maybe she might switch back to that one day — but right now, she's kind of wanting to do her own thing with the forensics and the criminal studies."
How did Anna Nicole Smith die?
© Getty ImagesAnna Nicole fell pregnant in 2006 and welcomed Dannielynn in September 2006. Five months later, the star died of "combined drug intoxication", with a sleep medication considered the major component.
