Larry Birkhead is always looking out for his daughter.
The photographer got candid about how he makes sure that his and Anna Nicole Smith's 18-year-old daughter Dannielynn Birkhead only keeps people around who have her best interest at heart.
"It’s hard," Larry exclusively told E! News' Francesca Amiker ahead of Father's Day 2025. "When she was younger and had friends over, or went out, it was tough figuring out who was genuine."
As a result, the 52-year-old is selective about who he and the teenager spend time with.
"I’ve always tried to protect her," he continued, "not just from media and paparazzi, but even people we let into our circle."
And Larry admitted that occasionally his efforts haven't been entirely successful. As he put it, "Some had great intentions, but others didn’t."
"Some would say, 'I want to hang out with you because I think I can get on Entertainment Tonight,' or 'Can you help my kid model? or 'We need a vacation but can’t afford it,'" Larry recalled. "You hear all kinds of things."
Luckily, Larry feels confident that he's weeded out most of the bad apples.
"She has great friends—but I’ve learned to keep one eye open," the MadTV actor shared. "It feels like I’m always on security duty, always scanning the room. We’ve had to make life adjustments. But at the same time, we’ve had so much support."
And he's especially aware of others' kindness when Father's Day rolls around—a time when he receives tons of touching messages from friends and family about how well he's managed being a single parent to Dannielynn, who was born six months before her mom Anna Nicole died of a fatal overdose in 2007.
"People come up and say, 'You’ve inspired me as a single parent,' or 'Anna inspired me.' Especially around Father’s Day, I get those comments—and I actually make them repeat it," Larry told E!, quipping that he'll ask, “Could you say that again? Oh, I’m a good dad? One more time, please!”
Still, nothing is more rewarding than watching Dannielynn come into her own as she prepares to head off to college.
"Her mom only went to school until the 10th grade, and I’ve always encouraged Dannielynn to aim higher—even higher than me," he said. "I’m proud of the young woman she’s become: silly, smart, fun and beautiful."
For more on Larry and Dannielynn's adorable father-daughter relationship, keep reading.
2010
She's her mother's daughter, all right!
2011
Who needs a fascinator when you're this fabulous?
2012
Flower power! Anna Nicole's mini-me's fascinator is in full bloom.
2013
Chim chim cheree! The daddy-daughter duo take inspiration from Mary Poppins.
2014
Larry leads the way as Dannielynn smiles for the cameras.
2015
Think pink! Dannielynn and Larry pick coordinating colors for their festive frocks.
2016
At just 10 years old, Dannielynn is already a red carpet veteran!
2017
Everything's coming up roses for the twosome!
2018
Dannielynn and her dad are feeling blue, in a good way!
2019
The tween is all smiles in a yellow floral dress as she poses with her dad.
2019
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."
2021
All smiles!
2021
Masked up!
2021
They're back! Dannielynn and dad Larryreturned to celebrate the Kentucky Derby with these corresponding looks a day before the annual event.
2022
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.
2022
Anna Nicole Smith's daughter, then 15, sports a colorful look as she poses with dad Larry Birkhead at the 2022 Kentucky Derby.
2023
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 in May 2023.
2024
The 17-year-old sports a Gianfranco Ferre dress once owned by Janet Jackson and purchased at Julien's Auctions while attending the Barnstable Brown Kentucky Derby Eve Gala in May 2024.
2024
The 17-year-old appears with her dad Larry Birkhead en route to the 2024 Kentucky Derby, and debuts a new lob hairstyle.
2025
While joining her dad Larry Birkhead at the Barnstable Brown gala during 2025 Kentucky Derby weekend, the 18-year-old wore the same outfit her late mom wore to the same annual party in 2004.
2025
The two coordinated in aqua at the main event.