Whitney Houston has been immortalised with her first Barbie doll, unveiled on what would’ve been her 63rd birthday (Aug 9) and styled after her I Wanna Dance with Somebody look.
The Barbie Signature Whitney Houston Doll honours the late music legend’s “record-breaking career, legacy and timeless music that inspired generations of artists and continues to resonate with fans around the world,” according to Mattel.
Rather than opting for a generic look, Mattel and Whitney’s estate – led by her sister‑in‑law Pat Houston – chose to recreate the singer’s vibrant style from the iconic 1987 I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me) video. The finished doll features the bright purple dress, bold earrings and colourful make‑up that defined the era, complete with a microphone stand to nod to her chart‑topping performance.
For Pat, the project has been a long time coming. She explains that conversations about a Whitney doll began years before the singer’s death in 2012.
She told People: “Whitney had never really endorsed anything, and we started having conversations about her brand … we talked about a Mattel doll 20 years ago.”
Whitney had once hoped to create a doll based on her acclaimed performance in The Bodyguard.
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.
“I’m just honoured to be in this place at this time, and we’re actually doing it.”
Pat says working with Mattel felt like a genuine celebration of Whitney’s artistry.
She said: “I witnessed the care, I witnessed the creativity, and the commitment behind celebrating Whitney’s legacy.
“It just made a very, very meaningful experience.”
The team settled on I Wanna Dance with Somebody because of its enduring connection with fans. Pat calls the choice a “no‑brainer,” and says Mattel’s attention to detail impressed her – “down to the earrings, to the colour of the hair, to the colour of the dress, to the details on the shoes.”
She believes the doll captures the essence of what Whitney represented.
Pat said: “Her songs, they define generations, they’ve broken records. She’s touched hearts.
“They’re timeless and soundtracks to millions of lives… And that’s why the Barbie is a fitting celebration of her extraordinary legacy.”
The doll made its debut at the Fifth Legacy of Love Gala in Atlanta and can no be purchased at Target stores and online through Amazon, Walmart, Target and Mattel Creations.
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