Whitney Houston received the ultimate honor of having her first-ever Barbie doll.
According to PEOPLE, Mattel commemorated Houston’s 63rd birthday on August 9 with the release of a new Barbie Signature Doll. The tribute celebrates the icon’s historic achievements, timeless discography, and lasting influence on generations of music lovers.
Created alongside estate executor and sister-in-law Pat Houston, the collectible captures Whitney’s famous style from the 1987 “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” video. The figure includes a mic stand and faithfully replicates her bright purple tank dress, colorful earrings, and vivid makeup.
“Whitney had never really endorsed anything, and we started having conversations about her brand … we talked about a Mattel doll 20 years ago,” Pat said.
“I’m just really happy that we’re seeing this doll come to fruition, and it’s going to be a lasting influence across generations,” she continues. “I’m just honored to be in this place at this time, and we’re actually doing it.”
HOUSTON WAS A LIFE-LONG BARBIE FAN
Before her passing in 2012 at age 48, Whitney had originally envisioned a doll inspired by her classic 1992 film The Bodyguard and its smash-hit soundtrack. Though that initial effort fell through, Pat shared that Whitney was truly passionate about dedicating the time to bring a collectible doll to life.
Pat says it was “an honor” to work with Mattel on creating the first Whitney Houston Barbie doll.
“I witnessed the care, I witnessed the creativity, and the commitment behind celebrating Whitney’s legacy,” said Pat/. “It just made a very, very meaningful experience. I’m just very grateful to have been a part of a project that honors her artistry, her elegance, and her impact that she still has on the world.”
“It was incredible to be a part of all that, even to walk through their showroom,” she continued. “Everyone was so involved in every aspect of creating such an amazing doll … they’re just very particular in how they do things, and they want to make the moment special, and they did that for this particular project.”
The doll made its debut at the Fifth Legacy of Love Gala, an annual charity event hosted by the Whitney E. Houston Legacy Foundation, in Atlanta on Aug. 8.
Currently, it’s available for purchase at Target stores and online at Amazon, Walmart, Target and Mattel Creations.