American Girl just announced its 2026 Girl of the Year, and it has moms feeling super nostalgic. Not only is the new doll, Raquel Reyes, related to one of the brand’s most iconic dolls, but she’s also Mexican American. If you grew up collecting (or daydreaming about) American Girl dolls, you surely know Samantha Parkington, one of the OGs in the historical character line.
Well, Raquel, who lives in Kansas City, Missouri, and has a Mexican American father, is Samantha’s great-great-granddaughter. The announcement comes just in time for Latinx Heritage Month.
Who is Raquel Reyes?
Fans of American Girl dolls know that these dolls are more than just toys. After all, each girl has an elaborate backstory, her own aesthetic, and a slew of unique interests. In Raquel’s case, she has a Pomeranian rescue named Luzita and she is learning to play pickleball. Her family owns a paleta shop called Paleta-Palooza, and at age 10, she’s already learning how to DJ (truly iconic).
Her backstory is also full of historical references that OG fans love. For example, over the summer, she travels to the East Coast for a family reunion and visits Mount Bedford, where Samantha Parkington lived. While there, Raquel finds Samantha’s diary.
Jamie Cygielman, Global Head of Dolls, Mattel, told People that “by linking Raquel — Samantha Parkington’s great-great-granddaughter — to a beloved original, we’re expanding both characters’ worlds: Samantha’s legacy gains new chapters through Raquel’s eyes, and Raquel’s contemporary story gains depth and historical context.”
Beyond that, the connection between the two dolls shows girls how “heritage isn’t only where you come from, it’s what you carry into your family, friendships and the bonds and community you build.”
Fans love the new doll.
On September 17, 2025, American Girl shared a bit of information about Raquel on Instagram. “This year, as we celebrate 25 years of Girl of the Year, we also honor Hispanic Heritage Month by sharing our newest character: Raquel Reyes. Her story is ‘shore’ to amaze!” the brand wrote in part. “🐾 She likes to DJ, taste-test paletas at her family’s Kansas City shop, and play with her rescue pup, Luzita. 🎀 She is proud of her heritage — her father is Mexican American and her mother is Samantha Parkington’s great-granddaughter!”
Reacting to the announcement, many fans said they love how the new doll is related to Samantha and also appreciate her Mexican American heritage.
“Love that she is Mexican-American in this political climate (and it’s been too long since a GOTY has been a doll of color) and I LOVE that it looks like she is wearing Samantha’s brooch as a necklace??? 😭,” one fan commented on the post.
Another person wrote: “Love this!! I wish i would’ve had one like her when i was a little girl- because she represents me and so many others! 🥹🩷.”
Raquel’s clothes are also Samantha-inspired.
Fans noticed that some of Raquel’s clothing and accessories looked similar to Samantha’s, and it’s definitely not a coincidence. Per American Girl’s website, “Raquel’s gingham dress and hairbow pay homage to the outfit Samantha Parkington wore when first introduced by American Girl.” You might also notice similarities between Raquel’s necklace and Samantha’s brooch locket.
The new doll appeals to both new fans and old fans alike. “I love the Samantha touches 🥹 Sam was my first doll!” one longtime fan noted.
At the same time, a new fan said she’ll be purchasing an American Girl doll for the first time. “I never had an American girl brand doll nor had the urge to purchase one for my daughter but now that I see representation, I will definitely be purchasing one for her!!! 💕🎀,” they wrote. “Thank you for helping heal our inner child of first gen latinas ✨.”
