Mattel Celebrates Whitney Houston With Special Barbie Doll Release
WHO:
Forbes - Whitney Houston, the late iconic singer, was discovered by music executive Clive Davis.
Forbes - Pat Houston is the president of the Whitney E. Houston Legacy Foundation and executor of The Estate of Whitney E. Houston.
WHAT:
Forbes - The Barbie doll details Whitney Houston’s look in the "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)" music video from 1987, featuring vibrant eye makeup and a replica of her purple tank dress with colorful drop earrings.
Forbes - The doll includes a replica mic and mic stand, measuring about 12 inches in height.
Forbes - Mattel released a collector’s doll commemorating Whitney Houston's musical legacy.
Forbes - The Barbie Signature Whitney Houston Doll was unveiled at the 5th Legacy of Love Gala.
Forbes - Whitney Houston sold more than 220 million albums, singles, and videos worldwide.
Forbes - Whitney Houston is the only artist to chart seven consecutive No. 1 singles.
Forbes - The doll measures about 12 inches in height and includes a replica mic and mic stand.
WHERE:
Forbes - The 5th Legacy of Love Gala took place in Atlanta.
WHEN:
Forbes - The Barbie Signature Whitney Houston Doll was unveiled on a Saturday at the gala.
ABC News Business - A new album titled “WH1TNEY” was released on a Friday.
WHY:
Forbes - The doll was created to celebrate over four decades of Whitney Houston's impact on the music industry.
HOW:
Forbes - Pat Houston stated, “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.”
Forbes - Pat Houston collaborated closely with the Barbie design team to shape the doll’s design, focusing on Whitney’s iconic fashion and signature glamour.
(UPDATED August 9, 2026 21:05 UTC)
A new Barbie doll inspired by Whitney Houston's iconic look in the "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)" music video has been unveiled, showcasing vibrant eye makeup and a replica of her purple tank dress, complete with colorful drop earrings. The doll, which stands about 12 inches tall, also includes a replica microphone and mic stand. Pat Houston shared that she collaborated closely with the Barbie design team to ensure the doll captures Whitney's signature glamour and the essence of one of her most memorable performances.
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(UPDATED August 9, 2026 13:19 UTC)
In a heartfelt tribute to Whitney Houston's enduring musical legacy, Mattel unveiled the Barbie Signature Whitney Houston Doll at the 5th Legacy of Love Gala in Atlanta, celebrating over four decades of her impact on the music industry. The doll, which measures about 12 inches tall and comes with a replica mic and mic stand, was developed through a close collaboration between Pat Houston and the Barbie design team, capturing Whitney's iconic fashion and signature glamour. Whitney Houston, who sold more than 220 million albums, singles, and videos worldwide, remains the only artist to achieve seven consecutive No. 1 singles on the charts.