Anna Nicole Smiths Ex-lover Won Custody Fight & Shields His Girl from Dark Side That Took Her Mom

Anna Nicole Smiths daughter, Dannielynn, was five months old when her mother tragically died in a hotel room at 39.After the models death, photographer Larry Birkhead claimed that he is the father of Dannielynn and fought with late stars partner for the girl.Larry, who became a single father, continues to protect his daughter from the “dark side” that took her mother.Advertisement

Though she was an “icon of female perfection,” Anna Nicole Smith faced numerous challenges. She underwent multiple cosmetic procedures, including four breast augmentations, and lived with constant pain, leading to her addiction to pain pills. In a candid moment, the Playboy Playmate conveyed the sacrifices she made to maintain her image, stating the terrible things she did to herself.

In real life, Smith was not just an enchanting lady but a shrewd businesswoman who hired lawyer Howard K. Stern. He served as her legal counsel and business manager, ensuring her affairs were well-handled.

Anna Nicole Smith at the Las Vegas Convention Center on July 11, 1993 | Source: Getty Images

However, their professional relationship took a surprising turn when the “Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult” actress couldnt contain her feelings for her lawyer and impulsively kissed him, marking a significant turning point in their connection. Reflecting on that decisive moment, the “The Anna Nicole Show” star confessed, “I knew I was in love the first time I kissed him.”

Anna Nicole Smith and Howard Stern at the US Supreme Court in Washington, DC on February 28, 2006 | Source: Getty Images

On September 7, 2006, the beauty welcomed her daughter Dannielynn Hope, who resembled her strikingly. She claimed that Stern was the newborns father, and the baby girls arrival led them to hold a commitment ceremony in the Bahamas. Although not officially married, they exchanged vows, cementing their bond as a family on September 28, 2006.

Stern regarded the model as “his entire world.” If circumstances had been kinder, this could have marked the beginning of a happy family life with the daughter.

Inside Anna Nicole Smiths Hotel Room Before Her Tragic Death at 39

In a tragic turn of events, 39-year-old Smith spent her final moments in her hotel room at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in the Bahamas. On February 8, 2007, at 2:49 a.m., she died from an accidental prescription drug overdose. The autopsy report revealed a lethal combination of prescription medications in her system, including sedatives and powerful painkillers. It was a heartbreaking conclusion that shed light on the troubled struggles the TV star had faced throughout her life.

Anna Nicole Smith at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino on July 21, 2005 | Source: Getty Images

Her “devastated” partner couldnt even speak. He was the one who urgently sought paramedics for Smith, racing from their room to the hotel front desk. According to a witness, he appeared “frantic” in his actions. “She was my best friend, my lover, the mother of my daughter, everything to me, I mean literally everything, my whole world,” said Howard, who was left with 5-month-old baby Dannielynn.

Howard K. Stern at Mt. Horeb Baptist Chruch on March 2, 2007 | Source: Getty Images

However, shortly after Smiths tragic death, Stern was accused of helping his beloved woman, who meant the world to him, to get prescription drugs in illegal ways. He was arrested and pleaded not guilty to the charges. The judge dismissed the felony charges against him.

Paternity Battle for Anna Nicole Smiths Daughter

Unexpected revelations came to light when entertainment reporter and photographer Larry Birkhead claimed that he was the biological father of the models daughter, Dannielynn Hope. He further asserted that it was Smith who had informed him about the paternity and that he had even supported her during her prenatal appointments.

Anna Nicole Smiths daughter Dannielynn at the “The Simpsons Ride” launch on May 17, 2008 | Source: Getty Images

The former lover revealed that following the babys birth, the star did not want to communicate and withheld details about daughters arrival. Undeterred, Birkhead demanded the return of the baby girl from the Bahamas to California for paternity testing. Smiths friend described that period as really messy, saying:

“There was such a circus when she died.”

Larry Birkhead at Broward County, Florida courtroom on February 20, 2007 | Source: Getty Images

The truth is, Smith and celebrity photographer Birkhead met at the Barnstable Brown Gala in 2003, and he vividly remembers that day as if it happened just yesterday. He walked with his camera bags and hoped to make decent snaps. But besides the shots, Birkhead also got to know the Hollywood beauty. He expressed his gratitude for being present at the event that night, as it marked the beginning of his journey as a father to Dannielynn.

Anna Nicole Smith and Larry Birkhead at 2005 MTV Australia Video Music Awards | Source: Getty Images

Two months after Smiths tragic passing, a DNA test confirmed Birkhead as the father of her 7-month-old daughter, and he was granted sole custody. Leaving a Bahamas court, the photographer proudly declared, “Im the father. Im going to the toy store.”

Larry Shields Dannielynn from “Dark Side” that Took Her Mom

With a triumphant win behind him, Birkhead and his infant daughter moved from the Bahamas to Larrys home in Kentucky. The concerned father shared that his baby girl handled her first flight with ease, and he was spotted carrying her in a green blanket.

Since then, the father-daughter duo has led a quiet life together in a small town. Right from the beginning, Birkhead couldnt help but notice the remarkable resemblance between Dannielynn and her late mother.

Larry Birkhead and daughter Dannielynn at the New Orleans Hornets and the Los Angeles Lakers game on November 8, 2009 | Source: Getty Images

Birkhead revealed that his daughter has the exact generous nature and selective eating habits as Smith. “Its been a constant struggle since she was little,” the single father confessed. He has had to supplement her meals with vitamins to keep her diet well-balanced. The girl doesnt eat meat or many vegetables and loves pasta and pizza with lots of sauce, just like her mom.

Larry Birkhead and daughter Dannielynn at City Center for the World Hunger Relief fundraiser on October 11, 2010 | Source: Getty Images

Dannielynn also wants to make a difference in her fathers life. On one occasion, they attended a swim party together, and Birkhead, the only dad among the moms, felt out of place. It was at this moment that 11-year-old girl did something lovely!

She suggested to her dad that he should get to know one of the moms. “Its adorable when she tries to encourage me to go out, date, and have fun,” her 50-year-old bachelor dad shared. Nonetheless, Birkhead is overjoyed with his daughter, who has grown into a 16-year-old young lady.

Larry Birkhead and daughter Dannielynn at the 142nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 07, 2016 | Source: Getty Images

Read alsoAnna Nicole Smith’s Teen Daughter Debuts Chic Smoky-Eye Makeup & Fans Say It’s ‘Too Much’ for Her AgeAnna Nicole Smith & Larry Birkheads Daughter, 17, Surprises Fans with Dark Hair TransformationHow These 5 Famous Celebrities Would Look Like If They Were Still Alive – Photos via AI

Recently, the protective father removed all their family photos from his social media account. Instead, he shared a photo of ocean waves crashing against the pier, perhaps symbolizing his hiatus from posting pictures. “Waiting for some of the waves to pass… then will return,” he captioned.

Larry Birthed and daughter Dannielynn at the Barnstable Brown Gala on May 4, 2018 | Source: Getty Images

Many fans praised the fathers wise decision to provide a private life for his daughter, referring to him as an “excellent” dad and even “the best father any daughter could wish for.” One user acknowledged that his unwavering protection of his daughter shielded her from the dark side of Hollywood that tragically claimed her mothers life:

“Youve done an amazing job at protecting her and pulling her away from the toxic environment and dark side of Hollywood (the media, love of money, & drugs and alcohol) that killed Anna Nicole…”

Larry Birkhead and daughter Dannielynn at the Barnstable Brown Derby Eve Gala on May 03, 2019 | Source: Getty Images

Larry Birkheads decision to prioritize her well-being over publicity demonstrates the importance of parental love and protection in the face of adversity. Birkheads dedication to providing a stable and private life for his daughter is commendable and serves as a moral lesson in putting family first and safeguarding loved ones from the dark side of the world.

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