Mattel has just paid tribute to Whitney Houston with a Barbie doll entirely designed in her likeness. The collectible doll was officially launched on August 9, 2026, the day the American singer would have celebrated her 63rd birthday. This is the very first Barbie dedicated to the performer of " I Will Always Love You ."
The iconic look of "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" recreated
For this Signature Barbie, Mattel chose one of Whitney Houston's most recognizable appearances: her look in the music video for " I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me) ," released in 1987. The doll wears a form-fitting purple dress, large multicolored earrings, and striking makeup directly inspired by the singer's look in the video. Her hairstyle also replicates the voluminous curls characteristic of Whitney Houston at that time. A microphone and stand complete the set. Mattel paid particular attention to the likeness of the face. The doll belongs to the Barbie Signature line, featuring a face specially sculpted in Whitney Houston's image and an articulated body. It comes with a certificate of authenticity. The doll was designed by Carlyle Nuera, while Priscila Bara designed the packaging.
A Barbie doll conceived with Whitney Houston more than 20 years ago
The project has a much longer history. Whitney Houston herself mentioned the possibility of creating a doll with Mattel more than 20 years ago. The idea was discussed with Pat Houston, her sister-in-law, who later became the executor of her estate. At the time, Whitney Houston specifically wanted the doll to evoke The Bodyguard , the 1992 film in which she co-starred with Kevin Costner. The project ultimately never came to fruition during her lifetime. More than two decades after these initial discussions, Mattel revived the idea in close collaboration with Pat Houston and the team responsible for preserving the singer's legacy. The teams worked on the hair color, dress, shoes, jewelry, and makeup to recreate her appearance in I Wanna Dance with Somebody as accurately as possible.
Presented the day before the singer's birthday
The doll was first unveiled on August 8 in Atlanta, at the fifth annual Legacy of Love Gala, an event organized by the Whitney E. Houston Legacy Foundation. It went on sale the following day, August 9, Whitney Houston's birthday. Priced at $60 in the United States, the Whitney Houston Barbie is available from Mattel Creations and several major American retailers.
A year filled with tributes to Whitney Houston
This new Barbie doll accompanies several celebrations dedicated to the singer's career in 2026. A new album, WH1TNEY, compiling her 11 number-one hits on the Billboard Hot 100, has also just been released. Whitney Houston was also honored this year with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy's special awards, and her name is also to be inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame.
An icon who disappeared in 2012
Born on August 9, 1963, Whitney Houston died on February 11, 2012, at only 48 years old. Her career was marked by some of the greatest pop and R&B hits, including " Saving All My Love for You ," "Greatest Love of All , " "How Will I Know , " "I Wanna Dance with Somebody , " "I Have Nothing," and of course, " I Will Always Love You ." Fourteen years after her passing, the singer officially joins the Barbie universe. The doll's story is all the more remarkable because Whitney Houston herself envisioned its creation while she was still alive.
