For his 107 years, he didn't want any party. He wanted to be Barbie at least for a day.
In Itiruçu, in the Brazilian state of Bahia, the sons and grandchildren of Joana Ricardina decided to turn that desire into reality.
They prepared balloons, flowers, cake and decorations in pink and gold tones. Then they built something special: a gigantic pack of Barbie inside which Joana could enter.
On the box, however, did not appear the name of the famous doll.
It was written "Dinha", the nickname with which Joana was known.
Dressed in pink and surrounded by the family, the woman placed inside the package. That photograph made the social tour and for many it became simply the "grandmother Barbie".
Behind that cheerful image, however, there was a life that had not always been light.
Joana was a widow at 48 and had to work to keep her children. He also faced health problems and lost sight from an eye.
Yet there was a moment of the year that continued to wait enthusiastically: May, the month of his birthday.
Maybe that's why the family wanted to make that 107° anniversary unforgettable.
And it wasn't the last time.
When Joana did 108 years, children and grandchildren organized another theme party, this time inspired by Penélope Charmosa, with dedicated decorations and even a car that recalled the character.
Joana Ricardina died on 29 April 2026, in Itiruçu, at the age of 109.
It was just eight days until his 110th birthday.
The photos of those parties remain and, above all, the one in a large pink box: a 107-year-old woman who had gone through widowhood, work, difficulty and health problems, but who had not stopped waiting for her birthday as something to really celebrate.
Because some wishes do not have an expiry date.
And at 107 years Dinha entered his Barbie box and reminded everyone that becoming old does not necessarily mean to stop playing.