‘Hi, Barbie!’ Mattel’s newest dolls celebrate birthday with icons

EL SEGUNDO, California (WJW) – “Hi, Barbie!”

Mattel, Inc. announced its newest Barbies this week for International Women’s Day and to celebrate Barbie’s 65^th anniversary, which is officially March 9.

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Barbie was first unveiled at the New York Toy Fair on March 9, 1959.

Since then, Barbie has had more than 250 careers, including president and astronaut.

“For the past 65 years, Barbie has used her global platform to empower girls to dream big, explore their limitless potential, and direct their own narrative to shape their future. As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we recognize over six decades of stories Barbie has helped write and the doll that continues to give everyone the opportunity to dream – and dream big,” Krista Berger, Senior Vice President of Barbie and Global Head of Dolls said in a press release.

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Barbie is kicking off the birthday celebrations with one-of-a-kind role model dolls made in the likeness of iconic women around the world.

Here’s who is included:

• Viola Davis (United States): Critically Revered Artist, Activist, Producer, Philanthropist, and Best-Selling Author – Viola Davis is an Oscar, Emmy, Tony, and Grammy-winning actor. Her production company, JuVee Productions, focuses on giving a voice to the voiceless through impactful narratives defined by inclusion. Davis has partnered with multiple programs to eradicate childhood hunger in the United States.

• Shania Twain (Canada): Global Superstar, Celebrated Songwriter, and Style Icon – As one of music and fashion’s most renowned trailblazers breaking down barriers for women in country music, Shania Twain is the top-selling female country pop artist of all time.

• Dame Helen Mirren (United Kingdom): Acclaimed Actress and Advocate for Women’s Stories – Helen Mirren is one of the world’s best-known and most respected actresses, along with being an advocate for embracing and celebrating self-expression, aging and fashion.

• Kylie Minogue (Australia): Artist – As a superstar artist, Kylie Minogue’s glittering career has kept her firmly rooted in the present whilst defining and celebrating much of our collective past.

• Maira Gomez (Brazil): Content Creator – Hailing from the indigenous community of the Tatuyo ethnic group in Amazonas, Maira Gomez aims to present the culture and traditions of her people to her nearly 7 million followers on social media.

• Lila Avilés (Mexico): Director, Producer, and Screenwriter – Lila Avilés is an award-winning film producer, having won more than thirty international festivals and whose movies have a strong reception from international critics.

• Nicole Fujita (Japan): Model – Nicole Fujita is a model and TV personality whose apparel brand will be opening its first retail store in March.

• Enissa Amani (Germany): Comedian – Enissa Amani is a stand-up comedian and political activist using her voice to create and produce viral shows addressing racism issues in Germany.

Singer Shania Twain responded to the new dolls being released.

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“Ladies and gentlemen… HER. I am honored to be recognized as a Barbie role model – I have my own one-of-a-kind Barbie doll!! Pinch me!! All I’ve wanted to do my whole life is tell stories of empowerment, independence and self-expression through my songwriting, getting to do that and inspire women and girls along the way is the dream… everything else is a beautiful bonus! It means a lot to expand my responsibility as a role model into the Barbie world, thank you @barbie and Mattel for creating this reflection of me. I love her!! #Barbie #Barbie65,” she wrote on Instagram.

Kylie Minogue posted a photo with her new Barbie.

“Look at Padam Barbie!!!” she wrote. “Baby Kylie would NOT believe this is happening right now…Thank you, Barbie!”

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