Aaliyah’s Brother Sends Message to Her Fans as They Honor the Late Singer’s 46th Birthday
Aaliyah’s untimely death left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Despite her short career, she achieved an iconic status in hip-hop, and her influence continues to resonate. This year, Aaliyah’s brother planned a special tribute to the “Try Again” singer, motivating her longtime fans to support her legacy in a new way.
Aaliyah’s death revisited 24 years later
Aaliyah would’ve been 46 years old on January 16, 2025. Instead, the world lost a promising star. On August 25, 2001, she departed the Bahamas after filming the music video for her future hit single “Rock the Boat.” Aaliyah and eight others boarded a twin-engine Cessna 402B to return to the U.S.
Shortly after takeoff, the plane crashed and all nine people on board died. Investigations revealed that passengers and equipment significantly overloaded the plane, reports Kreindler LLP. Additionally, the pilot had traces of cocaine and alcohol in his system. He did not have a license to fly the aircraft.
At 22, the “Princess of R&B” had already broken barriers in Hollywood, starring in films like 2000’s Romeo Must Die. She quickly became a fashion icon with her sleek, futuristic style, including crop tops, baggy pants, and ’90s hairstyles. This made it easy for her brother, Rashad Haughton, to emulate her trademark style 24 years later as he and Aaliyah’s estate partnered with Mattel to create an Aaliyah Barbie doll.
The Aaliyah Barbie doll sells out instantly
Inspired by her “One in a Million” music video, Haughton curated the moto outfit of Aaliyah’s Mattel Barbie doll. It became an instant bestseller when it dropped online on January 16. The addition to the Barbie Music Series sold out as soon as it became available to preorder. Aaliyah’s estate, managed by Haughton, shared on X, “Barbie honors the Princess of R&B’s unmatched legacy as a once-in-a-generation talent. The Aaliyah Barbie doll remembers her iconic style, keeping her influence alive across generations.”
Haughton spoke with People about his late sister. He shared that Aaliyah loved to celebrate birthdays, so she’d likely feel “elated” with having her own Barbie doll released on her birthday. “I can see her playing with these dolls wherever she is right now, which I know is heaven and in a beautiful place,” Haughton explained. “And she’s going to have a doll with her, and be doing all the dance moves from ‘One in a Million’ with it.”
Haughton, who manages Aaliyah’s estate, told People, “I do often talk to her in times of trouble, or when I’m really missing her.” He confided, “I talk to her in my heart, in my mind, in my dreams.” What would he say if he could speak with Aaliyah now? “I love you, and I’m so proud of you, and let’s enjoy this together. I know you’re smiling. And let’s hold this doll. Let’s share it with everyone.”
