Exclusive: Larry Birkhead: How I Explained Anna Nicole's Death to Dannielynn
Credit: Courtesy of Larry Birkhead
Four years after Anna Nicole Smith's tragic death, Us Weekly caught up with Larry Birkhead, who's raising 4-year-old Dannielynn all on his own.
PHOTOS: Most shocking celeb deaths of all time
"Dannielynn knows that her mom passed away. She obviously doesn't know the details," he tells Us. "At first I said, 'Your mommmy's up in the clouds.' Then we were on a plane from Kentucky and she asked, 'Which cloud is my mom on. Maybe she can come play?' You have to be forthright but keep it on a kid-friendly level."
PHOTOS: The cutest photos of Dannielynn
Still, life as a single parent hasn't been easy for Birkhead, 38, who was granted custody of Dannielynn in April 2007 after a dramatic paternity suit with Smith's partner Howard K. Stern.
PHOTOS: Hollywood's new star dads
"It's hard to flip from friend to parent. I overcompensate because she doesn't have a mom and I probably give her more than I should," he tells Us. "I'm working on cutting down on the shopping sprees."
For more on Birkhead and Dannielynn's life without Smith -- including how they plan to spend Father's Day together -- pick up the new issue of Us Weekly, on stands now.
Tell Us What You Think
23Larry is an excellent father and does NOT exploit anyone. He has his own money--he has more than Dannielynn. To say anything bad about this man is shameful. Anna was a single parent, and similarly Larry is a single parent. Hands down he is an excellent dad and Anna would be VERY proud of how he is raising and spoiling her.
@Alex Smith - Unless you have PROOF, SHUT THE HELL UP. That little girl is healthy, happy and loved. Sounds like you are a bitter lonely person. What's wrong? No one loves you? Gee, I can't imagine why!
he is doin such a good job wit her....very beautiful lil princess, looks like her mum alot.....
gorgeous angel ive ever seen :)
He definitely seems to have her absolute best interest at heart. I applaud him on giving her normalcy and keeping her out of the spotlight as best as possible. She's a beautiful little girl and she's going to be absolutely gorgeous when she grows up.
Beautiful picture, love the matching shirts it's soooooo cute!!!
Dannielynn is a beautiful child! It seems like her daddy is doing his best and I wish them well.
I think Larry has done a fantastic job with Dannielynne...She is beautiful! Anna Nicole is smiling down on them :)
She's adorable. I love the photo, especially the matching shirts father & daughter wore. At first glance, clean shaven Larry looks a little feminine lol
We'll pretend for one second that your info is accurate, Alex Smith...SO WHAT? Look at this child! She's happy..she's healthy..she is LOVED by Larry Birkhead VERY MUCH. She doesn't want for anything, she lives in her mother's former home, etc. Larry is raising her, not a fleet of nannies (ahem...Gosselin children come to mind...) Say what you will about Anna Nicole Smith-hopefully she's finally at peace but this is one beautiful and happy little girl!
God Bless Anna Nicole Smith - I hope she's happy in heaven. However, she was a hot mess on earth. She was a stripper/drug addict and alcoholic. The daughter is better off having just Larry (clean, sober and loving), as the parent. Nicole would have ruined that little girl. I'm glad to see the little girl is doing so well.
Alex Smith... what are your sources?! your a moron.
she has got the prettiest eyes, Gorgeous little girl.
he seems like a great dad....dannielynn is so cute :)
Is she wearing lipstick?
she's gorgeous!!!
shes a pretty looking, good work for stepping up to the plate :)
Why does everyone say she looks just like Anna Nicole? She looks just like him. Pretty little girl though.
He seems like a great dad, especially to step in the way he did. A lot of men would've cut and run.
Larry Birkhead should be ashamed of himself because he exploits a motherless child in tabloids because he's jobless. It's his only source of income. He was failed actor turned paparazzo who lived with a boyfriend and who only wanted to be around Anna because she was celebrity. Daniel Smith was depressed because his mom was a stripper, alcoholc, drug addict. Dannielynn deserves decent, normal life not a freak show a la ANS.