Aaliyah has been honoured with her very own Barbie doll, 24 years after her tragic death in a plane crash at the age of 22. The doll, part of Mattel’s Music Series collection, was released on what would have been her 46th birthday, celebrating the Princess of R&B’s enduring legacy.
“Today on Aaliyah’s birthday, Barbie honours the Princess of R&B’s unmatched legacy as a once-in-a-generation talent,” the official Barbie account posted on Instagram on January 16. “A rising star who left an unforgettable mark on pop culture, the Aaliyah Barbie doll remembers her iconic style, keeping her influence alive across generations.”
Inspired by Aaliyah’s outfit in the iconic “One in a Million” music video, the doll is dressed in an all-black, faux leather ensemble that includes a vest, crop top, silver-studded pants, black gloves, and sunglasses. The doll quickly sold out on the Mattel website, a testament to Aaliyah’s lasting impact.
This special tribute was also a personal project for Aaliyah’s brother, Rashad Haughton, who worked closely with Mattel to design the doll. He was “blown away” by the final result, explaining that the outfit captured his sister’s confidence and power. “It’s still tight-fitting, it’s still a little bit sexy. But it’s pants, so it brings that power and that confidence and expression,” he said in an interview with Today.com. Rashad also highlighted how the “One in a Million” look was especially meaningful, noting the song’s role in Aaliyah’s transition to a more mature and empowered sound in her career.
Rashad has often served as a creative consultant for collaborations to ensure Aaliyah’s legacy continues to thrive. “Obviously, it’s emotional at times,” he admitted, “but it’s also wonderful because there’s a lot of meaning in that.”
The collaboration with Mattel is particularly meaningful for Rashad, as it places Aaliyah in the same Music Series as legends like David Bowie, Elvis Presley, and Stevie Nicks. “It was something that I always wanted because I know it was something that was my sister’s dream,” he shared. “To have my sister part of that list, it really is a testament to her legacy, and I’m elated to have this doll come out. It’s so beautiful.”