Whitney Houston’s influence continues to reach new generations, and now Mattel is celebrating the late singer with her first Barbie Signature doll.

The collectible takes inspiration from Houston’s 1987 video for “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me),” recreating one of the most recognizable looks from her career. The doll wears a lavender dress paired with white heels, while her voluminous hairstyle recalls the visual’s unmistakable ’80s aesthetic. A microphone and stand complete the tribute.

Mattel developed the doll in partnership with Pat Houston, executor of the Whitney Houston estate and president of the Whitney E. Houston Legacy Foundation. The collaboration focused on details associated with the singer’s appearance during the era surrounding Whitney, her sophomore album.

“Today, we celebrate more than the release of a doll; we celebrate the enduring legacy of an icon,” Pat Houston, Executor, The Estate of Whitney E. Houston and President, The Whitney E. Houston Legacy Foundation, said in a release. “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.”

The doll was introduced during the fifth annual Legacy of Love Gala in Atlanta on August 8, an event held in recognition of Houston’s birthday. Hosted by the Whitney E. Houston Legacy Foundation, the gala supports educational opportunities for young people. Barbie’s Dream Gap Project will also contribute to the foundation.

“I Wanna Dance with Somebody” arrived in 1987 and became one of Houston’s signature recordings. The song earned her the Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance and has remained a staple of her catalog decades later.

Houston released her self-titled debut album in 1985 and went on to become one of the most celebrated singers of her generation. She earned six Grammy Awards during her career and was posthumously inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2020.

“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,” Nathan Baynard, Vice President and Head of Barbie, Mattel, said in a release. “Created in close collaboration with Pat Houston, Executor of The Estate of Whitney E. Houston and President of The Whitney E. Houston Legacy Foundation, this 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.”

Her addition to the Barbie Signature collection follows previous dolls honoring artists including Diana Ross, Tina Turner, and most recently, Angel Reese. Stevie Nicks and Elton John have also received Barbie tributes.

The Whitney Houston Barbie Signature Doll is available now through Amazon and Walmart.

Author: Okla Jones

Read the original article on Essence.