Larry Birkhead Says Anna Nicole Smith Would Be "So Proud" of Daughter Dannielynn in 17th Birthday Message

And just like that, Anna Nicole Smith's daughter is 17.

Dannielynn Birkhead celebrated her birthday Sept. 7 and received a sweet tribute from her dad, Larry Birkhead.

"Happy 17th Birthday Dannielynn!" the 50-year-old wrote on Instagram, alongside a montage of family videos and photos of the teen, including two images with her late mom. "I am so proud of you in each and every way. Wishing you the best day ever !"

Larry added, "You are funny, crazy smart, pretty and just about everything I could ever imagine. Your Mom would be so proud of you, I sure am. Happy Birthday! Love Dad. By the way, when you asked me if you could live in my basement forever. I said yes, but I didn't have the heart to tell you there aren't any basements in Florida #HappyBirthday."

When Dannielynn was 5 months old, her mom died at age 39 from an accidental overdose of prescription drugs in a Florida hotel room in 2007, five months after her son Daniel died at age 20—from the same cause.

Larry met Anna Nicole in 2003 at the annual Barnstable Brown Gala, a prestigious Kentucky Derby party, where he was working as a freelance photographer and she was filming her E! reality show. In 2010, Larry began bringing Dannielynn to the Kentucky Derby on a yearly basis, and fans have been able to watch his and Anna's little girl grow up before their very eyes.

Look back at the duo's father-daughter Kentucky Derby appearances below:

The 16-year-old steps out in style with her dad Larry Birkhead after paying tribute to her late mom with a fashion statement at the Barnstable Brown Kentucky Derby Eve Gala on May 5.

Anna Nicole Smith's daughter, then 15, sports a colorful look as she poses with dad Larry Birkhead at the 2022 Kentucky Derby.

Larry and Dannielynn appear at the 2022 Barnstable-Brown Gala, a Kentucky Derby pre-party. Dannielynn is wearing the outfit that Janet Jackson wore to the 2003 Barnstable-Brown Gala. Larry said it was purchased in a Julien's Auction, with proceeds benefitting charity.

They're back! Dannielynn and dad Larryreturned to celebrate the Kentucky Derby with these corresponding looks a day before the annual event.

Masked up!

All smiles!

Dannielynn and Larry attend the 2019 Kentucky Derby. He tweeted, "Kentucky Derby time once again. Dannielynn looks pretty in pink in her dress by Junona and her Mom's hat from her unforgettable appearance at The Kentucky Derby in 2004 #KentuckyDerby2019."

The tween is all smiles in a yellow floral dress as she poses with her dad.

Dannielynn and her dad are feeling blue, in a good way!

Everything's coming up roses for the twosome!

At just 10 years old, Dannielynn is already a red carpet veteran!

Think pink! Dannielynn and Larry pick coordinating colors for their festive frocks.

Larry leads the way as Dannielynn smiles for the cameras.

Chim chim cheree! The daddy-daughter duo take inspiration from Mary Poppins.

Flower power! Anna Nicole's mini-me's fascinator is in full bloom.

Who needs a fascinator when you're this fabulous?

She's her mother's daughter, all right!

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