Howard K. Stern father of Anna Nicole's daughter, baby's name is Dannie-Lynn

Update: Click here for video via TMZ.

On Larry King Live tonight, an obviously grieving Howard K. Stern, Anna’s lawyer, revealed that he is in fact the father of Anna Nicole‘s newborn daughter, and that they have been in a relationship for quite awhile. He also announced that the baby’s name is Dannielynn Hope, not Hannah Rose as previously reported. Dannie is after Daniel, Lynn is because Daniel called Anna Nicole "Mama Lynn," (her real middle name), and Hope because of the current situation. He also said that Daniel was aware that Howard is the father.

Howard also confirmed that he and Anna still do not know the cause of Daniel’s death, but says that he was on anti-depressants and had been hospitalized a month previously for back issues and depression. He confirmed that they did sell the hospital photos, because they wanted the people to see that it was "a joyous time" instead of portraying Daniel and Anna Nicole badly as they believe the media has. They have not received any money yet, but when they do it will go towards funding a foundation towards whatever the cause of death ends up being.

They have not yet had the funeral, but when they do, it will be private and details will not be announced.

Thanks to CBB readers Heather and Rachel.

Comments

I dont want to say I told you so but I am glad it is him and not that pther guy. They have been bestfriends forever and he is always by her side. I am happy for the both of them.

- M (michie) on September 26th, 2006

I knew it…

- angela on September 26th, 2006

This news just confirms what I suspected regarding the paternity. And, I’m sure the baby’s name was changed due to the circumstances, to honor Daniel. (Hannah does, after all, have Anna’s name in it: H-ANNA-h). Anna Nicole’s birth name is Vickie Lynn Hogan, so I guess they went with her real middle name so the baby would still be named after her, as well as Daniel.

- GrietjeV on September 26th, 2006

best wishes love the name

- Kimberly Goddard on September 26th, 2006

I knew it!!!!

- Doreen on September 26th, 2006

I am a little shocked- I don’t know why. Shoulda seen this a mile away. I am very happy that it’s him though, he has always accepted Anna for who she was and been a great friend to her. Also happy because that means that the child will have a full time father- someone a little more stable while Anna comes to terms with Daniel’s death. The name is sweet because of it’s meaning.

- Kori on September 26th, 2006

I love the new name for the baby and how she’s honoring her son with the name for Dannie-Lynne. I should’ve known from how close she and Howard were that he could be the father. It’s just odd after seeing the one guy on CNN pleading his case to see his child. I guess there’s no need for him to plea anymore.

- FC on September 26th, 2006

love the name and the meaning behind it. I am glad they are being so honest about everything. Less speculation. I wish her only the best.

- tink1217 on September 26th, 2006

Huh, I was just reading about suspicions of that in the latest People. Isn’t Stern a lawyer to several stars? I always hear his name and think HOWARD STERN.

Also, did she not know who the baby’s father was? I thought the other guy was tested … huh. Well, I’m wondering if Baby Hannah had her name changed, or if she was unnamed or something and then named after Daniel.

- Jessie on September 26th, 2006

My heart truly goes out to Anna Nicole and Howard right now. I am really happy that Howard is the father because he has been with her for years and really looked out for her. I have always believed that he loved her very deeply.

I also think it is very touching that they named the baby Dannie-Lynn. Seeing the video of Howard and how grieved he is I can only imagine how Anna Nicole is doing right now…my thoughts are with them all.

- yogadaisy on September 26th, 2006

Poor guy. He looks so sad. You know he thought of Daniel as his own. I am glad he is the dad. He always stood by Anna and you could tell in those photos that he was the dad. And shame on that Larry guy for being a jerk and making money on interviews.

- katie on September 26th, 2006

I knew it,I was just waiting on them to say it.What lawyer hangs around that much.All the signs were there and when Daniel passed I read into some stuff they were saying.

Dannie name is beautiful.I wish them the best.

- tan on September 26th, 2006

He seems like a very good guy and was obviously grief stricken during the interview. Glad to hear there donating the money made from the pictures at least some good is comming out of it.

- Carine on September 26th, 2006

I’m not shocked but at the same time I think he MIGHT lying…they don’t want that other guy to be involved with the baby and seeing as Howard loves her he’d do anything for her…even this.

- ericka on September 27th, 2006

I am not surprised by this info – I started wondering this when I heard he was at the hospital with her and the baby. I hope they can find some comfort with each other right now. On a side note, I am curious if he can continue to be her lawyer since he has fathered a child with her – I wasn’t sure if that crosses some lawyer/client rule???

- jess on September 27th, 2006

I was thinking the same thing Jessie was in regards to Larry Birkhead.I remember reading here (and other places) that he was given the DNA results comparing Dannie Lynn Hope(who was then named Hannah Rose) and himself, and he was not the father.

http://www.celebrity-babies.com/2006/09/anna_nicole_smi_2.html

I’m just curious where that information actually originated from because if it is true,Why would Larry still be petitioning for paternity results…

May God Bless Anna Nicole during this inconceivable tragedy & may she find strength through her newborn daughter Dannie Lynn Hope.

- graciezma on September 27th, 2006

I’m not surprised one bit! But I think it’s weird. There’s some ethical issues with him being her attorney and having a child together. As an attorney myself, it’s a huge no-no to have relations with a client if you did not have them before the attorney-client relationship begins! He could get disbarred! Wow. Weird.

- Hilary on September 27th, 2006

I totally knew he was the dad.

- B on September 27th, 2006

Ok, now who didn’t see that one coming!! That was my first thought when I found out she was pregnant! I knew it!!

- Alicia on September 27th, 2006

I don’t think he is the father..not that it matters. I don’t think they want that other guy to get any more money from being in the spotlight. Think about it..they can say Howard is the father to shut everyone up, especially if they don’t want anything to do with the other guy. It makes sense. His answers were weird.

- Yonni on September 27th, 2006

In Touch magazine says that her name is not Dannie-Lynne or whatever. It says that Anna Nicole told In Touch herself that she did not want to name her daughter that, because it would remind her of such an awful tragedy. She was considering it, but decided against it.
This is the In Touch with Anna Nicole and Daniel on the cover.

- Melanie on September 27th, 2006

Howard and her make a nice couple I think. As long as they have been together, it seems fitting. I hope they both find the peace to enjoy their new daughter during this difficult time.

- landroverdisco on September 27th, 2006

I don’t think he is still her lawyer. He may have been her lawyer at one time, though. I’m glad he’s the father because he seems to be such a strong support system for her. That’s the best kind of person to have in your life.
The name is cute. My family in the South always uses two names when they talk to our kids. I really like it. I liked Hannah, as well. At one point there were claims that she was naming the baby Cherry Pie or something ridiculous. I don’t know where people come up with these things.

- melanie on September 27th, 2006

This doesn’t surprise me at all….Even when Ana Nicole was a very big girl, from watching the show I felt that her & the lawyer had a sexual relationship.

- Natasha on September 27th, 2006

Yeah I knew it was his, if anyone recalls her show. Howard K. was freakishly over protective of her not to mention they were always in some embrass which I always thought he had a thing for her. I guess it all makes sense now. However not to stir the pot but didn’t the papers say the third person in the room was Howard K. and that he’s a person of interest in the death of her son. This story gets bizarre by the moment….

- Natalie S. on September 27th, 2006

Responding to Melanie about the rumors of Dannie-Lynn’s name being Cherry Pie-in the age of Apple Martin and Peaches Geldorf, nothing surprises me when it comes to celebrity baby names anymore.

- Lauren on September 27th, 2006

Anna Nicole said in an interview she would love to have a baby girl and name her Cherry Pie (& dress her in frou-frou dresses)
When I heard she’d had a baby girl I did wonder if she was called “Cherry Pie”.
I’m not at all surprised Howard is the father. Why else are they always together if they aren’t relationship?! Tho I don’t see why they don’t just admitt it.

- Heavenly_Hibiscus on September 28th, 2006

I am not surpised that Howard is the father, he and Anna always seemed very close. He looked devasted when he was talking to Larry King. I can’t imagine what Anna must be going through, I feel so sorry for her.

- Angela on September 28th, 2006

I always suspected they had a thing when watching her show. I am happy it is HOward he seems to really care about hurt. I think changing the name is so sweet in memory of Daniel.

- Ashley on September 30th, 2006

shit larry birkhead is the daddy what yall people talking about.

- cassandra on March 25th, 2007