South African singer Holly Rey has joined forces with Barbie in a heartwarming and powerful campaign. The award-winning artist is now part of a global initiative to introduce the very first Barbie doll with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D).
This is a big moment for Holly, who was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 11. Over the past few months, the 29-year-old singer has been open about her health struggles. Since December, she has been in and out of hospital due to kidney failure, anaemia, and high blood pressure. Despite these challenges, Holly has stayed strong and is now using her voice to inspire others.
On Wednesday, Holly was proudly introduced as a South African ambassador for the new Barbie campaign. She shares this special moment with 10-year-old dancer Sayuri Sewsunker. Together, they are spreading awareness about living with Type 1 Diabetes and showing children that they are not alone.
Holly shared her feelings on Instagram, writing:
“@barbie with Type 1 Diabetes I am so excited to be a part of this incredible Global campaign that makes not just children but all type 1 diabetics feel so seen and included. Growing up with Type 1 Diabetes, I always felt like an outsider. I was looked at like I had something wrong with me and was bullied as a result of it. Diabetes was viewed as something that you did to yourself by eating too many sweets and this lack of understanding led to being called names, being left out of activities, birthday parties and sports teams.
The truth is, I found a lot of comfort in playing with my Barbie’s as a child. If there was a Barbie with type 1 diabetes back then, I think it would have really changed my life. Not only would it have made me feel seen and feel like there was nothing wrong with me, but it also would have made kids at school realise that having Diabetes does not mean that there is something wrong with you, in fact it makes you special. Because if Barbie has Diabetes, then it must be ok for me to have diabetes, it might even be cool.
I truly believe that this Barbie with Diabetes is going to create so much awareness around Diabetes and change the narrative around what diabetes is and who it looks like. Diabetes, type 1 and 2, affects millions of people and I think that this Barbie is going to ignite some very important conversations that need to be had, not just with kids, but with adults, society and healthcare system decision makers.”
Mattel, the company behind Barbie, hopes this new doll will help more children feel seen and accepted. Krista Berger, Barbie’s Senior Vice-President and Global Head of Dolls, said:
“Introducing a Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes marks an important step in our commitment to inclusivity and representation. Barbie helps shape children’s early perceptions of the world and by reflecting medical conditions such as T1D we ensure more children can see themselves in the stories they imagine and the dolls they love.”
This Barbie doll isn’t just a toy — it’s a symbol of acceptance, hope, and strength for millions of children living with diabetes.
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