Whitney Houston Joins a Growing List of Celebrity’s Honored With a Barbie
It’s official, Whitney Houston has been immortalized once more. The late songstress has joined the ranks of musicians honored by Mattel with a signature Barbie doll. The surprise release was announced on August 8, at the fifth annual Legacy of Love Gala in Atlanta. The event, hosted by Houston’s foundation, featured an unveiling of the doll this year. It recreates her look from the “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” music video. While Houston was a star largely in her own stratosphere, she is not the first musical act honored with a Barbie.
She’s joining a growing club of music legends
Whitney Houston is the latest star to be honored with a Barbie doll, but she’s far from the first musician to be immortalized in plastic. She joins the Barbie Signature Music Series, a lineup that has grown steadily over the years to include some of music’s biggest names. Miley Cyrus, Aaliyah, Stevie Nicks, Gloria Estefan, Elvis Presley, David Bowie, Cher, Diana Ross, and Elton John all have been made into Barbie dolls. Each doll is unique, drawing from iconic moments from each star’s career.
Tina Turner has a doll, too. It was released in 2022 and remains one of the most talked-about and sought-after entries in the collection. Designed to mark the 40th anniversary of her hit “What’s Love Got to Do With It,” the doll recreates her signature spiky hairstyle and look from the music video. Turner helped develop the doll. Elton John’s entry opted for a stylized look inspired by his overall aesthetic rather than a single specific outfit. The doll features his trademark pink-tinted glasses and platform boots were incorporated into the doll.
The trend extends beyond the music world, too. Mattel has released Barbies inspired by fashion houses like Christian Dior, Versace, and Yves Saint Laurent. Franchises like Star Wars, Star Trek, and Marvel all have dolls, too.
Everything you need to know about Whitney Houston’s Barbie doll
The Barbie Signature Whitney Houston Doll officially went on sale August 8, the same day it was unveiled at the Atlanta gala. It is available right now for $60. Fans can pick one up at Target, Amazon, or Walmart, though supplies are limited and moving fast.
The doll features a figure modeled after Whitney’s early fashion style. The doll is dressed in a lilac tank dress and colorful drop earrings. The face is modeled after her look from the ’80s, too, including vibrant ’80s-style makeup and voluminous curls. The doll includes a microphone and mic stand as accessories, giving fans the chance to recreate her iconic on-stage performances.
Mattel didn’t come up with the design alone. The toy company worked closely with Houston’s estate on the doll, with Pat Houston, executor of the Estate of Whitney E. Houston and president of the Whitney E. Houston Legacy Foundation, personally signing off on the final product. A portion of proceeds will go toward the Barbie Dream Gap Project’s donation to her foundation, which funds educational grants and scholarships for young people.
Whitney Houston died on February 12, 2012. She was 48. Houston was found unresponsive in her hotel bathtub ahead of a pre-Grammy party. The Los Angeles County Coroner ruled her death an accidental drowning, with heart disease and cocaine use listed as contributing factors.
