ANNA NICOLE SMITH - SMITH WANTED TO BE BURIED BY MARILYN

LATEST: ANNA NICOLE SMITH's companion and lawyer HOWARD K STERN insists the former Playboy Playmate wanted to be buried near MARILYN MONROE in Los Angeles, but decided it was too expensive. Stern says Smith always believed she would die young, like her idol Monroe, and thought she would die while giving birth to daughter DANNIELYNN in September (06). He appeared in a Florida courtroom today (20FEB07) to testify regarding what will happen to Smith's remains. Stern explained, "She talked of death really from the time that I met her." He said they also looked at burial plots in Burbank, California and later, after her son DANIEL died, the issue of burial "went back and forth for some time". Stern said he suggested that Daniel be buried in Los Angeles, but Smith insisted he be buried in the Bahamas, where he died in September (06). He added, "She died emotionally when Daniel died. It was the reason why she didn't want to bury him earlier than she did. It was the most difficult thing that I've ever seen anyone go through." LARRY BIRKHEAD, who claims he is the father of Smith's baby, is also in court, along with her estranged mother VIRGIE ARTHUR. Smith's father DON HOGAN, also made a surprise appearance in court.