The iconic singer Aaliyah has been honored with a Barbie doll in her likeness.
Released for pre-order on January 16, which would have been Aaliyah’s 46th birthday, the Barbie doll quickly sold out online in just 30 minutes, priced at $55 (£44.90). Some dolls are now being resold on eBay for over $100 (£81.70).
Aaliyah, also known as Aaliyah Dana Haughton, tragically passed away in a plane crash in 2001 at the young age of 22. Her brother, Rashad Haughton, worked with Mattel to ensure the doll captured his sister’s unique style and spirit.
“I can vividly remember my sister playing with her favourite Barbie dolls for hours when we were kids,” he said in a statement.
“She would make them sing, dance, and perform little concerts. It’s clear to me now that she was imagining dreams that would eventually become reality when she embarked on a career in entertainment at just fifteen years old.”
Famous for her contributions to R&B, hip-hop, and pop music, as well as her unforgettable sense of fashion, the Barbie doll is inspired by Aaliyah’s outfit in her “One in a Million” music video, featuring a leather jacket, cargo pants, and accessories.
Following the release of the Barbie doll, Missy Elliott paid tribute to her dear friend.
“Babygirl the IMPACT that you have left in the years you spent here with the world is UNDENIABLE. Leaving generations to know your name ‘AALIYAH’,” she wrote on Instagram. “They continue to learn of your UNIQUE Music ORIGINAL Style & GLOWING personality. You will NEVER be 4Gotten.