Shania Twain, Viola Davis, others honored with Barbie dolls for Women's Day, 65th anniversary
Barbie releases its newest "role model" dolls, which feature dolls made in the likeness of Viola Davis, Shania Twain and other inspiring women, to celebrate International Women's Day and commemorate Barbie's 65th anniversary, according to a press release.
"Barbie’s story has never been just about her," said Krista Berger, the senior vice president of Barbie and Global Head of Dolls, in a statement. "It’s about the countless young kids she’s inspired and the millions of stories she helped them imagine along the way.”
Eight influential women from eight different countries are getting dolls created in their likeness to honor and recognize how they "embody the brand’s mission to inspire stories to shape the future."
The dolls were created to celebrate International Women's Day which is March 8th and Barbie's 65th anniversary which is March 9th. National Barbie Day is also March 9th.
“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," said Berger. "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.”
USA TODAY reached out to Barbie to confirm when the doll's release is but has not heard back yet.
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Influential women honored with Barbie dolls
Here is a list of the influential women getting dolls made after them, the country they're from and their accomplishments, according to the release:
- Viola Davis, United States: Davis is a critically revered actress with Oscars, Emmy, Tony, and Grammy wins who partnered with multiple programs to eradicate childhood hunger in the United States. She is also an activist, producer, philanthropist, and New York Times best-selling author.
- Shania Twain, Canada: Twain is known as one of music and fashion’s most "renowned trailblazers." The global superstar, songwriter, and style icon broke down barriers for women in country music. She is also the top-selling female country pop artist of all time.
- Dame Helen Mirren, United Kingdom: Mirren is an acclaimed actress and an advocate for sharing women's stories. Mirren is also an advocate for embracing and celebrating self-expression, aging and fashion.
- Kylie Minogue, Australia: Minogue is the artist and pop star who created "Can't Get You Out of My Head." According to Spotify, she is Australia's highest-selling female artist.
- Maira Gomez, Brazil: Gomez is a content creator from the Indigenous community of the Tatuyo ethnic group in Amazonas. She shares the culture and traditions of her people with her nearly 7 million followers online.
- Lila Avilés, Mexico: Avilés is an award-winning film producer. The Director, Producer, and Screenwriter won over thirty international festivals.
- Nicole Fujita, Japan: Fujita is a model and TV personality with around 10 million social media followers, according to Mattel. Her apparel brand, “CALNAMUR,” will be opening its first retail store in March.
- Enissa Amani (Germany): Amani is a stand-up comedian and political activist who uses her platform to address racism in Germany.
Julia is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. She has covered various topics, from local businesses and government in her hometown, Miami, to tech and pop culture. You can follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, Instagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz.