Barbie, the world's most famous doll turned 55 on the 9th of March, and she's looking just as fabulous as she was the first time the world saw her in 1959.

For the promotional coverwrap in honor of the American International Toy Fair 2014, a limited edition Sports Illustrated Barbie was pictured on a Sports Illustrated cover, wearing an updated version of the swimsuit she wore when she made her world debut in 1959's New York Toy Fair.

Her appearance caused a stir from bloggers and parents who are worried that Barbie wasn't sending the right message to girls about body image. So Barbie herself had to release a statement about her daring decision to become a Sports Illustrated covergirl, with the hashtag #unapologetic.

But it doesn't matter if you love or hate Barbie. The iconic doll has come a long way through history. Here are some surprising facts about the 55-year old doll that might change the way you see her:

1. She and Hillary Clinton have much in common.



Barbie has run for president six times. She first ran in the early 90s and hasn't given up since. She's got drive, leadership and presidential dreams!

2) We lost track of her hair color.



This style lover has had something like 50 different hair colors in her lifetime. From her signature platinum blonde, to red, brown, and even white!

3) She's still got it.



Barbie is still incredibly popular after more than half a century. In 1959, 300,000 dolls were sold. Today, a Barbie doll is purchased every three seconds somewhere in the 150 countries where they're sold.

4) Barbie is a cougar.



She was born March 9, 1959. But her beau, Ken, wasn't born for another two years. Rawrr.

5) Barbie is a nickname for...



Barbie's real name is Barbara Millicent Roberts, and she was named after founder Ruth Handler's daughter. In true 1950s style, Barbara was one of the most popular baby names of that decade. In the picture above, the real Barbara Handler is photographed next to her late father Elliot Handler, the co-founder of Mattel Toy Company.

6) She advocates girl power.



"My whole philosophy of Barbie was that through the doll, the little girl could be anything she wanted to be. Barbie always represented the fact that a woman has choices," creator Ruth Handler said.

Barbie still preaches girl power, trying to show girls they can be whatever they want to be. In 55 years, Barbie has managed to have a whopping 150 careers. "Isn't it time we teach girls to celebrate who they are? Isn't there room for capable and captivating? It's time to stop boxing in potential. Be free to launch a career in a swimsuit, lead a company while gorgeous, or wear pink to an interview at MIT. The reality of today is that girls can go anywhere and be anything," Barbie said in a release.

7) She definitely keeps up with the times.



She's active on Twitter and Facebook, with the most followers of any doll.

8) If she was a real person she'd be the same age as..



Celebrities born in 1959: Emma Thompson, Marie Osmond, and Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York. Check out this Barbie magazine ad featuring The Osmonds, which Marie was a part of.

Pretty impressive eh?

Happy 55th Birthday, Barbie!