Whitney Houston‘s decades-long dream comes true. The late singer and actress is honored with her own Barbie doll. The project has been in the works for more than a decade, with Houston having discussed the idea years ago.
Whitney Houston’s new Barbie doll fulfills a dream she first discussed more than 20 years ago
Whitney Houston is honored with a Barbie Doll as Mattel, Inc. celebrates the legacy of the singer. The late singer, who would have turned 63 this year, first discussed the idea more than 20 years ago.
Pat Houston, the singer’s sister-in-law, said that the project has been in the making for decades.
“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 honored to be in this place at this time, and we’re actually doing it.” Pat added that she was happy that Whitney Houston’s dream is finally coming to fruition.
The singer wanted a doll to pay homage to her 1992 film The Bodyguard. However, the project stalled over the years.
The new Barbie doll dedicated to her is inspired by her I Wanna Dance With Somebody music video.
According to Radar, Pat said, “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.”
The doll wears a purple dress, inspired by her music video, and features colorful drop earrings, vibrant eye makeup, and microphone details. Houston’s Barbie doll was launched as part of a celebration of 40 years of her legacy. Houston is being celebrated at the 2026 New Jersey Hall of Fame Capstone Event and The Recording Academy Special Merit Lifetime Achievement Award.
Pat told PEOPLE exclusively, “Whitney had never really endorsed anything, and we started having conversations about her brand … we talked about a Mattel doll 20 years ago.”
The doll was unveiled at the Fifth Legacy of Love Gala by the Whitney E. Houston Legacy Foundation. It’s available at Walmart, Amazon, Target, and Mattel Creations.
