Dannielynn and Larry Birkhead's Kentucky Derby tradition may be ending

Cheryl V. Jackson, USA TODAY NETWORKSun, May 3, 2026 at 2:45 PM UTC

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America has seen Dannielynn Birkhead, the 19-year-old daughter of the late Anna Nicole Smith and Larry Birkhead, grow up through her annual appearances with her dad at the Kentucky Derby.

Now, Larry Birkhead says the 2026 Run for the Roses might be the last as a daddy-daughter outing.

“Because I met her mom at the Derby and the Barnstable Brown party, we like to go back for that reason,” Birkhead told Access Hollywood, while discussing Dannielynn’s new look ahead of the Barnstable Brown Derby Eve Gala and the 152nd edition of the race. “It's a good cause for charity, but it's also a way to pay tribute and to keep Anna's spirit and memory alive in my heart … and just to be able to share that moment and tradition and to create new memories.”

Dannielynn Birkhead: Anna Nicole Smith's daughter unveils new look at Kentucky Derby gala

Dannielynn Birkhead and her father, Larry, on the red carpet at the Barnstable Brown Party ahead of the Kentucky Derby.

That could be coming to an end, though.

”But, at the same time, I know that because she’s almost 20 years old and there’s cooler people than me to hang out with. And we’ve done this and it’s been a tradition, and I think it’s something that we don’t know if you’re going to do it again ever. This could be the end of our photo book. We don’t know. But we’ve had one hell of a scrapbook.”

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Dannielynn started at Derby appearance dressed in the girliest of outfits, he said. This year, she introduced a darker, vampire-inspired look with dyed tresses.

“At the end of the day, we’ve had a great time at it,” Birkhead said. ”Never say never, but we’re out of colors and ideas.”

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Hats off to the fashionistas of the Kentucky Derby.As part of the tradition of the annual horse race, several attendees sport elaborate headpieces to complement their derby attire.Scroll through for photos of the best hats from the 152nd Kentucky Derby, starting with attendee Ashlyn Roberts, who donned a chic crimson hat during Thurby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 30, 2026.

Birkheard said he would still be involved in the charity, which benefits the Barnstable Brown Diabetes and Obesity Research Center at the University of Kentucky.

“There’s always a time I might do something with the charity, but at the same time, for the time that we have, this is always going to hit on finals week. The Derby doesn’t change.”

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Dannielynn and Larry Birkhead's Kentucky Derby tradition may end

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