Mattel is celebrating the musical legacy of Whitney Houston with a collector’s doll commemorating over four decades of the late iconic singer’s impact on the music industry.
Houston, who released her self-titled debut album in 1985 after being discovered by legendary music executive Clive Davis, died tragically on Feb. 12, 2012, at the age of 48. In her wake Houston left a treasure trove of multi-platinum albums and singles, including “The Greatest Love of All,” “Saving All My Love for You,” “All at Once,” “Didn’t We Almost Have It All,” “Where Do Broken Hearts Go,” “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me),” “I Will Always Love You,” “How Will I Know” and her riveting performance of “The Star Spangled Banner” ahead of Super Bowl XXV in 1991.
During her illustrious career, Whitney Houston — the daughter of legendary gospel singer Cissy Houston — sold more than 220 million albums, singles and videos worldwide. To this day, Whitney Houston remains the only artist to chart seven consecutive No. 1 singles.
The Barbie Signature Whitney Houston Doll was unveiled on Saturday at the 5th Legacy of Love Gala in Atlanta, an annual charity event hosted by the Whitney E. Houston Legacy Foundation. According to Mattel, Whitney Houston’s doll was created in close collaboration with Pat Houston, who is the president of the foundation and executor of The Estate of Whitney E. Houston.
The Barbie doll details Whitney Houston’s indelible look in the “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” music video from 1987. The doll, which recreates the singer’s vibrant eye makeup in the video, is wearing a replica of the singer’s purple tank dress with colorful drop earrings. Also included with the doll, which measures about 12 inches in height, is a replica mic and mic stand.
According to Mattel, Pat Houston “worked closely with the Barbie design team throughout the creative process, helping shape the doll’s design, from Whitney’s iconic fashion and signature glamour to the thoughtful details that celebrate one of her most memorable performances.”
When Will The Whitney Houston Barbie Doll Be Available?
The Barbie Signature Whitney Houston Doll is now available at Target stores and online at Amazon, Walmart, Target and Mattel Creations. The doll retails for $60.
“Today, we celebrate more than the release of a doll, we celebrate the enduring legacy of an icon,” Pat Houston said in a statement from Mattel. “The new Whitney Houston Barbie honors a woman whose voice, grace, beauty, and spirit inspired generations around the world. May this doll remind every child and every collector that dreams have no limits, excellence leaves a lasting imprint, and true greatness never goes out of style. Thank you, Mattel for making one of Whitney’s dreams come true.”
Also celebrating the release of the Barbie Signature Whitney Houston Doll is Nathan Baynard, Vice President and Head of Barbie, Mattel, who said in a statement, “Whitney Houston’s music has been the soundtrack to countless moments for fans around the world. Barbie is proud to honor her extraordinary legacy with the latest addition to the Barbie Signature Series.”
Noting the close collaboration of Pat Houston of the Whitney Houston estate, Baynard noted that the singer’s Barbie doll “celebrates her unmistakable style, joy and spirit. We hope it gives fans a meaningful way to celebrate the artist whose voice and influence continue to resonate around the world.”