Age and date of death
Anna Nicole Smith died on February 8, 2007, at age 39. She was born on November 28, 1967, and passed away in Hollywood, Florida. The cause of death was ruled an accidental drug overdose, specifically involving chloral hydrate and multiple benzodiazepine derivatives. The following table summarizes key verified details around her age at death, date, and cause.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | November 28, 1967 | Public records and biographies |
| Date of death | February 8, 2007 | Official death certificate and court records |
| Age at death | 39 years old | Coroner’s report and verified news accounts |
| Cause of death | Accidental drug overdose | Medical examiner and toxicology reports |
Biographical context
Before her death, Smith gained fame as a model and television personality, notably through appearances on Married... with Children and her own reality series The Anna Nicole Show. Her public life included high-profile relationships, legal battles, and significant media coverage. Understanding her age at death is part of a broader timeline that helps contextualize her career and the circumstances surrounding her passing.
Early life and career milestones
Born in Houston, Texas, Smith moved through various states during her childhood. She entered the public eye after marrying elderly oil tycoon J. Howard Marshall at age 26, later becoming a prominent model and media figure. Her career included magazine appearances, reality television, and legal disputes over estates and custody, which kept her in the public eye until her death.
Death, investigations, and aftermath
In the days before her death, Smith was hospitalized in Florida. The medical examiner determined that chloral hydrate was found in her system in combination with benzodiazepines, leading to an accidental overdose conclusion. Subsequent toxicology reviews and legal proceedings examined medication management and pharmacy practices. Her daughter Dannielynn became central to ongoing estate and paternity litigation after her death.
Clarifying rumors and corrections
Over time, rumors have circulated about alternate causes and ages at death. Official records confirm she was 39 and that the death was accidental. Reliable sources, including coroner reports and court documents, support this information. When comparing reports, checking primary documents such as the death certificate helps avoid confusion from earlier speculative coverage.
Comparison with public estimates
Some early reports provided approximate ages or conflicting timelines. Verified records align precisely, showing she died at 39. The table below compares public estimates with the official age to highlight the importance of sourcing from authoritative records.
| Metric | Estimate or Range | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Age reported by media at death | 39 years old | Consistent across major outlets after coroner confirmation |
| Age derived from birth and death dates | 39 years old | Calculated from November 28, 1967, to February 8, 2007 |
| Speculative rumors (early, unverified) | Varying claims | Not supported by official documentation |
Key takeaways
- Smith was 39 years old at the time of her death on February 8, 2007.
- The cause was ruled an accidental drug overdose involving chloral hydrate and benzodiazepines.
- Official records, including her death certificate and coroner reports, confirm her age and circumstances.
- Early media estimates aligned with the official age once investigations concluded.
- Since her death, reliable biographies and legal records have consistently cited age 39.
Frequently asked questions
Below are common questions about her age at death and related facts, answered with reference to verifiable records.
- When did Anna Nicole Smith die? She died on February 8, 2007.
- How old was she? She was 39 years old at the time of her death.
- What was the cause? The cause was an accidental drug overdose.
- Are there reliable sources confirming her age? Yes, coroner reports and public records confirm she was 39.
- Did rumors about her age circulate? Yes, some early unverified claims existed, but official records clarify this.