The now infamous Anna Nicole Smith (nee Vickie Lynn Hogan) was born in Mexia, Texas on November 28, 1967. Her colorful, tragic life ended suddenly on February 8, 2007, just a few months after her 39th birthday.
She is remembered in many roles: Playboy Playmate of the Year, stripper, waitress, blonde bombshell, cover girl, model, Marilyn Monroe wannabe, reality show actress, diet product guru, mediocre film star . . .
Troubled by a difficult childhood and haunted by the memory of a father who deserted the family, she dropped out of high school and married Billy Smith at the age of 17. Although the marriage did not succeed, it resulted in the birth of her beloved son, Daniel, in 1984.
Perhaps one of Anna Nicole Smith's greatest claims to fame was her marriage to a wealthy Texas oil tycoon, J. Howard Marshall II, in 1994. At the age of 89, he was 63 years her senior. Marshall died in 1995, leaving Anna to contest his estate in court with son, E. Pierce Marshall. The estate was reported to be worth $474 million. Although many people called Anna Nicole Smith a 'gold digger', J. Howard actually courted and chased her for years before she finally agreed to marry him.
Her second child, Dannielynn, was born out of wedlock over 11 years later. This happy event was overshadowed by Daniel's untimely death due to a drug overdose just 3 days after his sister's birth.
Anna made many television appearances in the time following Daniel's death, usually accompanied by her lawyer/boyfriend, Howard K. Stern. She was obviously deeply hurt and troubled by her son's death.
Unfortunately, she was not fated to mourn in peace. A paternity battle ensued. Howard K. Stern claimed to be Dannielynn's father, but ex-boyfriend/photographer Larry Birkhead refuted the claim and filed a paternity lawsuit. Meanwhile, speculation over Daniel's death continued - with many people claiming that Anna Nicole and Howard Stern may have had some deliberate involvement.
February 8, 2007: The media is flooded with reports of Anna Nicole Smith's death. As this article is written, the exact cause of her death remains unknown.
She wrote a will prior to Daniel's death, leaving her entire estate to her son. This seemed to leave Dannielynn out of the picture. However, when the legal dust settled, it appeared that Anna Nicole's baby daughter would actually inherit the estate - which includes the financial settlement from the Marshall inheritance.
More men surfaced, claiming paternity of Dannielynn - including Prince Frederick von Anhalt (husband of Zsa Zsa Gabor).
Late into February, 2007, loved ones and relatives were still fighting about where she should be buried. The numerous court battles will likely be remembered with as much controversy and rumor as the O.J. Simpson case.
February 28, 2007: It is finally determined that Anna Nicole will be buried in the Bahamas, next to her son, Daniel.
From where this writer sits, Anna appears to have been a trusting, tormented, beautiful soul - taken advantage of by the very people she depended on and cared for. Where does it all end? Can she not receive some respite from notoriety and controversy even in death?
Let her rest peacefully now. She deserves respect and solitude. She was a misguided, sweet person who merits some dignity after her journey to the other side. We won't forget you, Anna Nicole!
©Copyright Kathy Steinemann: This article is free to publish only if this copyright notice, the byline, and the author's note below (with active links) are included.
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