Barbie and Ken’s long-lasting love

Barbie and Ken, America's favorite fabulous plastic dolls, have a long history, logging in some 43 years as significant others. They've gone through many looks, themes and hair colors over that time. Take a look at their top moments.

It all started in the spring of 1961. Ken Carson was new on the scene and love was in the air...

First introduced at the American International Toy Fair as Barbie doll’s boyfriend, Ken doll arrived on the scene March 11, 1961, standing 12 inches tall and sporting his now famous “molded” plastic hair. With his red bathing trunks, yellow beach towel and sandals, Ken was dashing and different from any other doll on the shelf. A few weeks after the fanfare of his global debut, Ken met Barbie for the first time on the set of their first TV commercial together. As soon as he laid eyes on the blond beauty, it was love at first sight. The rest, as they say, is history.

In the 1970s, the couple stepped out together with the grooviest hairstyles of the decade as Quick Curl Barbie and Superstar Ken. One of their most instantly recognizable looks, Sun Lovin' Malibu Barbie and Sun Lovin' Malibu Ken, made sun-kissed tans all the rage.

The disco era was good to the pair, both blond, glamorous and ready to party on a dance floor or at the beach (hello, Malibu Barbie and her dune buggy).

The duo tried many different careers, including roles in business, politics and even space exploration. They also tried on new roles as Olympians, pilots and dancers — but never lost sight of their adoration for each other.

Throughout the '80s, the couple continued to set trends with their big hair and flashy style as Dream Date Barbie and Dream Date Ken.

The fantastic plastic couple were known for their many extracurricular activities. The two loved to skate, swim and buy expensive toys for their Malibu dream house.

Barbie and Ken share an immense love of style and the two never shy away from new trends and bright fads.

On Valentine’s Day 2004, after more than 43 years together, Hollywood’s quintessential couple decided to spend time apart. Creating a worldwide sensation, Barbie began dating Blaine, an Aussie surfer who charmed his way into her heart.

However, proving that true love stays in your heart forever, Ken made a big play to get Barbie back in 2006. He enlisted the help of celebrity stylist Phillip Bloch to impress Barbie with a “Hollywood makeover.” Although Ken scored big points with Barbie for the effort and new look, the two dolls remained just friends.

After several low key, behind-the-scenes years, Ken decided it was time to step out in a big way in 2010. In the spring of that year, Ken reignited his mass pop culture appeal with his critically acclaimed self-portrayal and starring role in "Toy Story 3." Ken was back as the ultimate bachelor. He became a social media butterfly, with new profiles on Facebook, Twitter and Foursquare, and was the inspiration for an all-new digital reality series, “Genuine Ken: The Search for the Great American Boyfriend.”

Everyone’s favorite male fashion doll even got the Big Apple buzzing as he made special appearances during Fashion’s Night Out.

Ken left no stone unturned in his quest to get the bodacious blonde back. He put his heart on his proverbial sleeve, posing on billboards starting Jan. 24 and on the Times Square Jumbotron starting Feb. 7 with such sentiments as “Barbie, I want you back,” “Barbie, you’re the only doll for me,” “Barbie, we were made for each other,” and a favorite, “Barbie, we may be plastic but our love is real.” The two got back together on Feb. 14, 2011.