Over two decades after Aaliyah’s tragic death at age 22, her big brother Rashad Haughton still finds ways to honor her legacy.
Speaking with PEOPLE in light of her new Barbie and what would’ve been her 46th birthday, Haughton reflected on his sister’s legacy and shared that he still has conversations with the late star.
“I do often talk to her in times of trouble, or when I’m really missing her. I talk to her in my heart, in my mind, in my dreams,” Haughton, 47, tells PEOPLE exclusively.
One thing he would say, if given the opportunity to speak to her now, is “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, let’s listen to ‘One in a Million’ and listen to all the fans and their reactions. I love you so much.”
Aaliyah’s doll is the latest addition to the Barbie Music Series, which aims to honor her legacy and career. The doll’s moto-outfit, which Haughton helped curate, was inspired by the one worn in her “One in a Million” music video.
On memorable dates, like her birthday, Haughton often honors her by listening to her music.
“Her voice is so angelic. One of the most beautiful voices I have ever heard, still to this day,” he says “Her presence comes through in her music. Her presence comes through in these collaborations that we do.”
What he misses most, he says, is her “sense of humor.”
“My sister, although she worked so hard, she always was loving and caring to the people around her. Her makeup artists, the managers,” he says.
“A lot of times, because we go through so much in this world… a lot of people are suffering, the main thing is you have to smile through the pain, smile through the challenges, and hug people,” he continues. “I think when people talk about my sister… the number one thing was that she was such a loving and caring person.”
Reflecting on her illustrious career, Haughton has no doubt Aaliyah — who released three studio albums before her tragic death in 2001 — would be “the biggest star in the world” if she were alive today.
Still, “her legacy continues on. So we can imagine, we can dream, but we still have all those incredible works that she did do.”
Now, Haughton is sure that his sister, who loved to celebrate birthdays, is “elated” with the doll made in her likeness.
“I can see her playing with these dolls wherever she is right now, which I know is heaven and in a beautiful place,” he says. “And she’s going to have a doll with her, and be doing all the dance moves from ‘One in a Million’ with it.”
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