Aaliyah's Brother Rashad Can See Her 'Playing with These Dolls' in 'Heaven' as Late Star Gets Her Own Barbie (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Aaliyah; Aaliyah Barbie.Photo:SGranitz/WireImage; Mattel Inc.

SGranitz/WireImage; Mattel Inc.

Aaliyah’s impact on the world of music is “One in a Million.” Now, that legacy is being celebrated in a way that would be nothing short of a dream come true for the late star, according to her brother.

On Thursday, Jan. 16 — which would’ve been her 46th birthday — Mattel announced the Princess of R&B as the latest musician to join the Barbie Music Series. To honor her legacy, Barbie teamed up with her brother, Rashad Haughton, to ensure it accurately captured and celebrated her legacy.

Speaking with PEOPLE about the “incredible process,” Haughton says creating a Barbie in his sister’s likeness had been on his mind for a while — and it all serendipitously fell into place.

“The universe sort of conspired to make this happen, at such a perfect time,” he says. “I know for a fact that this was something that she had dreamed about since she was a little girl.”

Aaliyah Barbie.Mattel Inc.

Mattel Inc.

“One in a Million” served as the title track for her multi-platinum sophomore album, which was a “coming of age” and “rebirth” for the star.

The Barbie sports a faux leather black top and matching pants with studded lace-up details. The look is complete with signature black sunglasses, a zipper vest and detached sleeves. Her hair, in true Aaliyah fashion, is swooped over one eye.

“One thing that we wanted to do was make sure that it was her,” her brother says of the outfit.

Haughton, along with the design team, also chose the “One in a Million” music video look because of its symbolism — and the impact it can have on young girls.

“‘One in a Million,’ it makes little girls feel special,” he explains. “It’s having a dream. It’s a beautiful song about love and having a special love. So all these different elements, just from a metaphorical standpoint, were perfect.”

“[Aaliyah] was a rightist. She did things so they were right and they felt good,” he says. “So she would be so happy of how the execution went down and that it looks so much like her.”

The Barbie Music Collector series celebrates legendary singers and songwriters who have created a lasting impact on the music industry. The series is part of Barbie Signature through Mattel Creations, which partners with world-famous designers, musicians, brands and pioneers of their time.

Rashad Haughton (left) and Aaliyah.Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty

Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty

Aaliyah is joining an iconic list of musicians who’ve been honored with Barbies, includingGloria Estefan,Stevie Nicks,David Bowie,Elvis PresleyandElton John.

“It really solidifies her legendary status along with those other legendary singers. It’s absolutely amazing,” Haughton says of his sister, whodied in a plane crashin August 2001. She was 22.

Reflecting on this experience Haughton is in awe of how full-circle it feels.

“I can remember being a kid and seeing my sister play in her bedroom with Barbies,” he recalls. “I think the number one thing that is really touching my heart about this, and is so magical, is knowing and seeing her play with those dolls, and dream, and then having, at such a young age, her career blossom and come to fruition.”

He concludes, “I can see her playing with these dolls wherever she is right now, which I know is heaven and in a beautiful place. And she’s going to have a doll with her, and be doing all the dance moves from ‘One in a Million’ with it.”

The Aaliyah Barbie is available for purchase on theMattel Shopfor $55.

source: people.com