Farewell, Samantha Parkington!

jess Wed, Jun 24, 2009 at 03:56 PM EST

I was breifly describing to my girlfriend about how much i loved american dolls when i was a kid, and decided to peak at the website...i couldnt find samantha and now i know why. i cant believe they discontiuned her. i heard it was because they had to many white dolls and needed to make more diverse dolls...and yet they replaced her with an uglier doll what bullshit. im very upset

Katelyn Tue, Jun 2, 2009 at 03:03 PM EST

When I saw Samantha I said to my self I want her from my cousin audri.I hate the people who made her retire.

Katelyn Tue, Jun 2, 2009 at 03:03 PM EST

When I saw Samantha I said to my self I want her from my cousin audri.I hate the people who made her retire.

Katelyn Tue, Jun 2, 2009 at 03:03 PM EST

When I saw Samantha I said to my self I want her from my cousin audri.I hate the people who made her retire.

Gillian Mon, May 25, 2009 at 07:42 PM EST

My first AG doll was Samantha! I remember the day I got a catalogue I looked at the Historical ones then I Samantha! Then I asked my mom if I could get her my mom said yes so I ordered her I was so happy when I got her.I also ordered Nellie! I played with them everyday.I loved playing with them. Then I heared that she was retiring then I became sad.I was sad because I loved the dolls the cloths and the books.The books were amazing.But why did they take her away. They know that we love her.Everyone LOVES Samantha.That's all I have to say.

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Heather Wed, Apr 15, 2009 at 04:56 PM EST

My question is "who will be next?" I heard that they were doing this to all the American Girl dolls. Like there doing what they done to Felicity. Getting rid of them, and modernizing them and bringing them back in the future. I can understand this in some ways because a lot of the outfits from other dolls like Kirsten's from the past I didn't like. Like I didn't like Kirsten's Recess outfit. Anyways, Samantha I chose over everyone else. Ever since I was little and an American Girl catalog came, I always flipped straight to Samantha. I have a feeling that Molly is next though. She's the only original AG that they haven't done anything to.

Heather Wed, Apr 15, 2009 at 04:44 PM EST

My aunt gave me Samantha when I first moved into my grandparents house, so that I could have a friend. I had just entered my freshman year of college when they e-mailed me saying they were going to retire Samantha. I panicked because there was many things I didn't have in my collection. Thankfully, I had just got a refund from another order and was able to finish my collection. The only items I don't have are the ones that were made around 1986, like the play dress that was retired in 1993 and that is only because I would've been 4 years old then. I only found out about American Girl when I was like 7. I will not be buying anything else from American Girl. I have everything from Samantha and Nellie, except like what I've mentioned, and the only other doll I have is Kirsten. I may finish Kirsten's collection, but I'm not really interested in all her clothes. I just bought her because she reminded me of myself. I also only need 1 outfit for Kaya, and I'm completely done.

Celeste Tue, Apr 7, 2009 at 05:02 PM EST

She was the first doll I ever bought. I saved up my allowance for her when I was 6. She's always been my favorite. This infuriates and shocks me. How could they retire Samantha? Isn't she everyone's favorite? Does anyone know WHY they are doing this? I want answers!

Now almost 21, I am taking a U.S. women's history course, and while discussing the poor conditions for femals workers in the early 20th century, all I could think about was Nellie teaches Samantha the factories weren't what she thought they were. All full of nostalgia, I came home and decided to look up Sam on wikipedia and reminise, so you can imagine my horror to learn this disturbing face. I had know idea! I am in mourning. We should all wear black or something.

And that silly 70s one is not even historical. She's younger than my parents. WTF?

melissa Tue, Mar 3, 2009 at 03:02 PM EST

I got my Samantha doll for christmas 19 years ago. My own daughter is turning 5 this year and I thought it would be great to pass down my doll to her. I was very disappointed to see that I am no longer able to get her clothing anymore! However I did learn they are still doing cleaning and repairs on the Samantha doll (mine needs a new head).

megan Sat, Jan 31, 2009 at 09:41 PM EST

i am very sad that she is not aviable anymore she was a pretty doll she made kids very happy her books are awsome i miss you samantha

samantha Fri, Jan 30, 2009 at 10:21 PM EST

I really loved that doll and sad to see hear go. When i read that i had to do a double take! Though i'm glad they still dell her books, i need one more. I miss you samantha.

CAF Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 10:03 PM EST

Conspiracy theory---- Mattel is sick of being compared to the wonderful products made by Pleasant Company prior to the sell out in 1998. They are starting with Samantha and slowly they will knock off each of the original historical character dolls (up to and including Kit).

tj Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 08:07 PM EST

three american girl dolls for sle 125.00 itty doll baby to 75.00

Sissy Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 10:58 PM EST

Nooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!! I, too, drooled over Samantha when I was younger (she looks just like me, and we have similar personalities). My red-haired friend and I used to play that we were Samantha and Felicity, though we never got the dolls. I still can't afford one, so this makes me really sad! :(

Keli O'Neill Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 05:33 PM EST

I prayed and Payed and Prayed when I was 9yo to get Samantha for Christmas and low and behold by holiday magic (or my constent nagging to my parents) she was under my tree that magic morning!
I laughed so hard at the comment above about her cat dressing up in the coat and had! I have a picture of my dog, buffy, dressed in that same outfit!
Me and my friends each had one of the "originals" (Me with Samantha and they had Kirsten and Molly)and we would play for hours acting out scenes from the books...it's so sad a part of my childhood is going away :o( I secretly always wished my children would be able to fall in love with this strong little girl from the early 1900's!

sam Sat, Jan 10, 2009 at 05:24 PM EST

I was Heartbroken she was my first doll. i was hystericaly crying when i found out.I wish i could do something!!!!!

anne Wed, Dec 31, 2008 at 05:52 PM EST

I am so heart broken! I wanted to get more of her dresses ( crying! )

Ann Fri, Dec 26, 2008 at 01:31 PM EST

The Pleasant Company is missing the mark in these hard economic times with dismissing Samantha from their line. Whoever stays afloat will be because of supporting public sentiment and the quality of their product.

It was bad enough to discover the QUALITY of the Pleasant Company products is less than when first introduced--fabrics thinner, cheaper constructions, less details,faculty details, less period pieces on the line, and much of it discontinued (underpinnings for Felicity for example).

They are relegating this once wonderful and very refreshing doll line to a WalMart product.

Congratulations for putting yourself out of business, Pleasant Company.

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Mike Thu, Dec 4, 2008 at 10:46 PM EST

You can still find some good deals on Samantha dolls at
http://american-girl.myauctionlinks.com/American-Girl-Samantha-Doll.html

Dara Thu, Dec 4, 2008 at 03:46 PM EST

My favorite was Felicity (I still have her and most of the "original" clothes)I never had Samantha, but I loved her clothes and always wanted her. It's sad that they are retiring her. I sure hope the next historical doll isn't one from the 1980s (the one from the 70s kind of disappointed me to especially making her a hippie from San Francisco...I mean come on, most people especially ten year olds were NOT hippies).

I'm still confused as to why they keep making the best friend dolls for the characters--including completely changing Felicity's friend Elizabeth from a brunette with brown eyes to a blonde hair blue eyed girl :P

Ashley Tue, Dec 2, 2008 at 12:55 PM EST

Although, I am VERY proud to know the salted ice cream reference. Stupid boy.

"I bet you think three times four is twelve!"

Ashley Tue, Dec 2, 2008 at 12:54 PM EST

Never in my life had I been so excited over a Christmas present as I was with my Samantha doll at the age of five. I could understand if they were discontinuing something that wasn't selling very well, but Samantha has SENIORITY! She OWNS the joint. Or at least she did before Pleasant Rowland sold her soul to Mattel.

Geez. This will be the last Christmas that a Samantha doll will put a smile on a young girl's face. Ridic.

Literacycafe Mon, Nov 3, 2008 at 01:22 PM EST

I would like to read any american girl storybook that has mention of trains in them. Can you tell me what titles of the AG series includes a train ride, story of a train, or mention of a train? i would really appreciate it. I am planning on somoething special with American Girls and Trains for students and need your help. Of course, if you have a blog, I could ask this question on that blog.

ag lover Sun, Nov 2, 2008 at 10:05 AM EST

someone send this link to ag! if they see how many people are sad they might save sam! i miss her so much. I have nellie, but not her. Why dont they retired like a just like you doll or something, not sam! shes one of the most popular dolls!!! and she teaches history. i think ag has gone way down and is only concerned w/ money since mattel bought it out.

Tue, Oct 28, 2008 at 09:48 AM EST

Okay, a lot of you are just being rude. But I'll miss Samantha too. and FYI Julie does NOT suck! But AG, please reconsider.

samantha Sat, Oct 25, 2008 at 10:00 AM EST

i am really sad. i didn't think she would ever go away so i didn't buy all of her stuff. now im really really sad.
if you didn't notice we share a name and when my parents were deciding which doll to get me they decided samantha was not only my favorite historical doll, she also looked the most like me out of all of the just like me dolls.
when people say "oh i have a city with my name." or "theres a queen with the same name as me." i always just say i share a name with samantha the american girl.
now all i can say is that girl from bewitched but thats retired too.
any ways just buy what you can and then wait about a year for when they take felicity away too.

Disgusted in Wisconsin Wed, Oct 22, 2008 at 12:00 PM EST

I'm shocked! Samantha Parkington, one of the 1st historical dolls introduced by Pleasant Co. in 1986 and a beloved character who captured the hearts of AG fans everywhere since, doesn't even get to go out with a bang! AG calls her one of their "most popular historical characters", yet no bells, no whistles, no confetti, no big announcement. Nothing fitting for a character so worthy of a proper goodbye. Just a blase' posting on AG's website, and an email (for those of us lucky enough to get one) notifying us to buy quick or lose out. AG could have at the very least treated Samantha's retirement like they do their "Girl of the Year" dolls, giving us a year to collect before we say our final goodbye. This whole thing was handled very poorly. Where's the level of service AG's offered their customers all of these years? Did they place that in the archives too?

Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 07:39 PM EST

i am so outraged! i find it soooooooooo sad and devastating! they didnt even say "why" they are retiring her and nellie! and we all know now that they are just going to retire the rest of the dolls little by little! im soooooo upset!!!

Susan Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 01:00 PM EST

I was a children's (public) librarian for over 28 years - Samantha (both the doll and the character) was ALWAYS the most popular of the AG girls! What is Mattel thinking??

I am a doll collector but only have Kit - found for a dollar, minus clothes, at a thrift shop. But I may just have to order poor doomed Samantha while she's still around.

It's clear that Mattel's goals are far from those of the original Pleasant Company. Bad cess to'em! (as some of Felicity's less-courteous companions might say...)

Susan,
Member
United Federation of Doll Clubs

laylagalise Fri, Oct 17, 2008 at 06:04 PM EST

What?! Get rid of all those 21st century dolls and keep Samantha! I can't believe they're discontinuing her. And, by the way, my childhood best friend had a Sam doll and I had a Molly doll and they got along great! So, I'm sure Molly is just as heartbroken.

kiylah Fri, Oct 17, 2008 at 05:26 PM EST

nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo please dont take her away take away that stupid native one!!!!! u should take away kya she is ugly

Chi Fri, Oct 17, 2008 at 10:04 AM EST

OMG!!!!!! Samantha has been my favorite American Girl since 1992!!! Why would they do this?! They could get rid of one of those stupid new AG dolls, not an original classic! What has America become?

Vickie's Daughter Thu, Oct 16, 2008 at 05:36 AM EST

Hi Mom!

She's right. We have tons of American Girl stuff stashed away in our house. The only thing I am missing is Samantha's birthday table. I have a feeling that we'll be doing an inventory next time I'm home...

Going to Williamsburg for the Felicity release was one of my best childhood vacations. I was Felicity for the following Halloween since I had gotten the hat at the tea in Williamsburg.

Dutch Vickie Wed, Oct 15, 2008 at 11:29 PM EST

I am a mother of two girls with an attic full of AG stuff -- entire Addy collection, many items from Molly & Felicity (yes, just like Austen Geek, we went to Colonial Williamsburg for the intro). Only thing missing from our Samantha collection in the attic is the wicker table & chair set. Am I crazy to buy this to complete my now 25 yr old daughter's collection?

Hermionel6 Wed, Oct 15, 2008 at 10:31 PM EST

Samantha has been a huge part of my life for over 20 years. She is quite literally my oldest friend. I took her everywhere with me, including college. When I moved to Boston for grad school, Samantha packed up her valise and came with me. A few weeks ago, I was at a function where they served petit fours, and for a minute I really felt like I was 6 years old again, sitting down to a tea party with Samantha. I truly believe that her story of strength and compassion has helped shape the person I am today. I can't understand why they would deny future generations of girls the opportunity to learn from Samantha and to love her as much as everyone here clearly does. Pleasant Rowland never would have allowed this to happen when she was in charge. Isn't there anything we can do? Didn't they almost discontinue Felicity awhile ago, but eventually gave in due to the overwhelming backlash? I did manage to find this petition:
http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/StopAG
Any other ideas??

Erin Wed, Oct 15, 2008 at 03:35 PM EST

Wow!! What a wonderful idea!! Getting rid of the American Girl that represents the Victorian Era. Last time, I checked, that time period was one of the most influential and modernizing times in our history. Let's definitely get rid of Samantha, but by all means, let's keep Julie, the San Fran hippe girl!! I had Samantha in 1989 and I am NOT happy nor am I ok with this. Way to be pc.....and kill history in the meantime.

Raegan Wed, Oct 15, 2008 at 03:09 PM EST

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Samantha was my second favorite, right after Felicity. What the hell is wrong with the American Girls now? It's all this modern day sh*t that takes away from the history -- the whole point of the collection. BTW, Julie SUCKS!

Austen Geek Wed, Oct 15, 2008 at 01:04 PM EST

I still consider my Samantha doll one of the best gifts I've ever received. (And wow, just realized that was eighteen years ago.) "Samantha Saves the Day" is by far my favorite of all the AG books. To this day I get excited at the mere sight of an Adirondack chair. Weren't they going to do the same thing to Felicity a few years back but stopped because of public outcry? (Speaking of which, did anyone else go to the special tea they had back in the day to introduce Felicity? I spent five days gleefully walking around Colonial Williamsburg wearing a mop cap, clutching my Samathana doll.)

Liz Wed, Oct 15, 2008 at 11:28 AM EST

My fondest memory of my dear Samantha was when, during a Passover seder at my synagogue, my Samantha and my cousin's Molly were fighting and Molly pulled Samantha's head off. I was devestated. We sent Samantha in to the emergency American Girl ward and she got sent back with a freshly sewn on head and a hospital gown. I will always love Samantha dearly, even though I don't think I'll be able to get much for her on the open market since I tried to hair-spray her little frock too many times and now it sticks out in all kinds of awful directions. This is part of my childhood ending, I've got to tell you. As a 20 year old, I suppose I should get over it though...?

Bijou177 Wed, Oct 15, 2008 at 11:28 AM EST

who will teach Nelly to read now? what about the women's sufferage? Grandmarie!!

Wed, Oct 15, 2008 at 11:25 AM EST

NOOOOOO!!!!!! Samantha was my favorite. I never owned the doll (my sister did) but I loved her books the best. I think I loved her so much because she had brown hair just like me!

Anne Wed, Oct 15, 2008 at 10:41 AM EST

I do not know how, but I did not learn of American Girl dolls until a Chicago trip in 1999. I vowed that if I ever had girls I would take them to the store and get dolls. Well, I had two girls and took them to American Girl in NYC this spring. They were stoked at the time (the store is hard to believe, esp with tea, but it did scream of excess) but do not play with the dolls that much (they got Emily and Nellie). I guess they are too young (7 and 3), but hey, we were in NYC!. My mom, who accompanied us on the trip, did something terribly cool. She bought a Molly doll, allegedly for herself (I so wanted her, but could not justify spending the money, since I bought two dolls and am 35 years old). Mom pulled a ruse and gave me Molly for my birthday. I shrieked like an eight year old. I love her and refuse to let the girls play with her (they lost her purse!). Am I strange? Yep. Do I want to keep the beautiful doll in one piece? Yep. Do I wish my kids would play with theirs? Yep.

frostysnowman Wed, Oct 15, 2008 at 10:16 AM EST

My 8-year-old daugther cried and cried and cried when she got the letter about Samantha being discontinued. She even asked if she would have to give the doll back! (So cute in a very sad way!) I assured her she could keep Samantha forever, and even pass her along to her future daughter. My girl really loves that doll, all the books, the TV movie, etc. I was surprised by this decision and can only hope they will replace her with a new doll from an era that's a little more interesting than the 1970's (sorry Julie fans).

To Jane Wed, Oct 15, 2008 at 10:02 AM EST

Read the release (linked in the post)- the Nelly doll will also be discontinued. Terrible news!

Pinky Wed, Oct 15, 2008 at 10:00 AM EST

Devastaion! Samantha was my only American Girl doll. I only got her and the clothes she came with... we couldn't afford any additional accessories. I'm sad I no longer have the doll (lost in 3 cross country moves) and have no chance of passing her on to my future children. Sad! I don't understand why they can't keep her online.

MAC Wed, Oct 15, 2008 at 08:26 AM EST

This is awful news. I can't but feel that Kirstin Larson may be next!

Erin Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 11:12 PM EST

NO!!!!! Samantha was my favorite growing up! I loved Samantha so much that I got the thing you could buy to put the Samantha play on in your backyard, and my friends and I did it in front of our neighborhood when we were about 7 or 8. I even had the doll and a couple of the dresses. Thank God I didn't give her away to my cousin like I wanted to a couple years ago. Samantha, you will be missed severely.

Lauren Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 10:29 PM EST

Sad! Samantha was the first and only AG doll I got. I was devastated when she broke, but I was twelve at that point and "too old" (my words) to get a new one anyways.

Jane Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 09:43 PM EST

No! Not Samantha!

I was a Molly girl (my Dad liked the WWII stuff better, so that's the brunette I got), but I always loved Samantha's accessories the best.

The big question now is - will they be keeping Samantha's friend Nelly sans Samantha? Inquiring minds want to know!

Carrie Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 06:11 PM EST

This is devasting! I PROTEST strongly against American Girl! I'm 21 years old and have wanted Samantha everything! I hoped to one day afford the darn doll! I'm heartbroken! What is wrong with AG she is the prettiest and the best doll they have!

Erin Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 05:22 PM EST

I was so sad to hear this news! I wanted a Samantha doll since I was a little girl but I never got her since they are so expensive. Well last Christmas my mother bought me a Samantha doll. It was the best Christmas ever. It's kinda sad but at 27 I carried that doll around with me for days. Even though I will be interested to see what doll they will come out with I will miss Samantha.

raven Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 05:17 PM EST

Oh, I totally had all of Molly's stuff when I was a little kid (I had glasses and often wore my hair in pigtail braids) but I really liked Samantha too. She had the best style of all the American Girls. So boo to you American Girls!!

Carrie Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 05:12 PM EST

My mom shared the sad, sad news with me this morning and this twenty-seven year old adult woman sat at her grown-up desk at her grown-up job and nearly cried. In spite of my sadness over Samantha's totally unnecessary "retirement" (I hate that my future daughter cannot have her own Samantha doll, since she sure as heck can't have mine), it's been so much fun to hear how many other girls out there, big and small, are still crazy about Samantha and the other American Girl dolls. As soon as came home this evening I took my Samantha out of the closet and sat down with her, my series of Samantha books, and my laptop to relive some Samantha memories.

VH Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 04:57 PM EST

I vote the get rid of Kit instead! Samantha is definitly much better. Luckly my siter and I both have separate Samantha dolls.

Dana Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 04:37 PM EST

I have a first-generation Samantha doll, too. Back in the day, my two closest friends and I were a brunette with no glasses (me/Samantha), a brunette with glasses (Mindy/Molly), and a blond (Kristin/Kirsten). We were all American Girl fans-- and they only had those three dolls back then-- so it was perfect! While it's sad that she's being discontinued, I will treasure my Samantha doll that much more now.... and be thankful that I kept the original box!

Laura Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 04:28 PM EST

I've always liked the American Girl dolls and don't really understand why they fully retire some of them. Why not just have them available online? I understand the need for the catalogue space, but why discontinue a doll completely?

Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 04:18 PM EST

Aw, I got my Samantha Doll on my 10th bday and I've had her for 20 years. I love that doll. Bummer that she's going away. They've really changed the AmGirl concept since the good ole days when it was with Pleasant Company.

Liddy Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 04:02 PM EST

That's sad, she was always my favorite. I used to drool over the catalogue back in the day, but my family really couldn't afford the stuff. One of my friends had the girl-sized Samantha clothes and I was soooo jealous! I hope I can still find Samantha stuff on Ebay when I have a daughter.

H Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 03:58 PM EST

This is sad! Samantha was my first of three dolls, and she was absolutely my favorite--you can tell too since her hair is matted. It had some curl in it that I guess I shouldn't have brushed out. Poring through the Pleasant Company catalogues and the Samantha, Kirsten, and Molly books are some of my favorite childhood memories. I still want some of her high button boots!

Liz Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 03:55 PM EST

I used to sleep with the catalogue under my pillow until my parents bought me Molly. ( We both wore glasses) I've been saddened by the why Mattel has ruined what was once an amazing line of dolls and accessories. I emailed them not long ago about sending my first generation Molly for tightening since one of her arms is loose from rollerskating with me. I was told they would send me a whole new doll which led me to say no thank you. My daughter wants her own Molly doll so her's can play with mine. I'll eventually give in, I just wish the quality was what it once was. Molly and I will miss you Samantha. We enjoyed your books and the tea parties at my cousin's house.

momandallyson Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 03:44 PM EST

I received this sad news via e-mail yesterday - and was so saddened. As a child - I poured over the AG catalog - this was pre-Mattel's purchase of the Pleasant Company. I deserved and demanded that doll - but never got one.

So I am one of those parents who made darn sure that my daughter got my favorite doll - which thankfully was my daughter's favorite. We purchase a pre Mattel manufactured doll from Ebay - with the Pleasant Company logo. I was so obsessed - my daughter has everything - including the child sized matching white and blue - which cost me $100 but hasn't been manufactured for years!

So my dream of sending my daughter to college on our AG collection is now becoming a reality - and now I refuse to part with a single Samantha Parkington - or Nellie item - as we have most of those pieces. They are all boxed up and up in the top of the closet now. How very sad to see AG come to this decision.

Dixie Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 03:43 PM EST

I was a HUGE American Girl fan. I got Molly for my 9th birthday, and Addy when I was 10. My mom's side of the family bought Molly and her accessories, and my dad's side bought Addy and her gear. (The good side to having divorced parents.)
I always figured I'd get Samantha or Felicity next, but it never happened. I think they were somewhat more expensive than Molly & Addy, and in any case I outgrew dolls before long. I still have Molly & Addy packed up at my mom's, saving them for my little girls if I have any. It sucks that i'll never be able to get tehm Samantha, though :(

Jenn Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 03:33 PM EST

Holy crap, no! I'm so glad that I decided to give my Josephina doll to the girl I babysat instead of my Samantha doll. Samantha is the bomb. I really wanted to be her. Even though I couldn't stand the way she dressed(Molly and Kit fit my style much more), I wanted to be rich with a heart of gold like Samantha.
Totally lame, American Girl. Lame, lame, lame.

Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 03:27 PM EST

Awww come on!! Not Samantha! I just dug mine out of my childhood room not three months ago! Why discontinue it completely? That was the era women got the right to vote for cripes sake!

daisyj Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 03:20 PM EST

Aw, no. I loved my Samantha doll, and clearly I was not alone in obsessing over the catalogue; to the point where I actually knew what the raised cherries on the glasses in her tea party set would have felt like under my fingers.
Okay, maybe I am alone in that part.

Meme Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 03:15 PM EST

WHAT?!! Samantha was not only the best AG doll with the best accessories, I too got her when I was 8 and you could only choose between her and molly or kirstein! For YEARS all my b'day and x-mas money went to buy her accessories! This is horrible! they should discontinue felicity:P

Shelby Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 03:09 PM EST

Samantha was my first American Girl doll and she still holds a special place. I love everything about her and I think it is a horrible decision by American Girl to discontinue her. Last I heard she was still the top doll in the company.

Bethany Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 02:53 PM EST

I was an AG girl back in the day when you had to pick Samantha, Kirsten, or Molly - back before you could pick a doll that looked JUST like you. And I adored her and all her books. AND pouring over the catalog every time it came.

Thanks Samantha, for teaching me about petit fours (yes, I DID get them at my birthday party right after I got the doll), how NOT to make homemade ice cream, suffrage, and life for a poor little rich girl in the early 20th century.

BL Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 02:52 PM EST

:( oh man she was my favorite!

Kim Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 02:51 PM EST

I had a Samantha when I was little, and she by FAR had the prettiest clothes. Bad call, American Girl! Molly was the least favorite in our family!

Sarah C Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 02:39 PM EST

Not sure if it's my second cup of coffee talking, but I'm struck by how much Samantha reminds me of Blair Waldorf.

RIP Samantha. You had much better stuff than Felicity, Kirsten, or that brat Molly.

Jen Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 02:38 PM EST

Samantha was my first and favorite AG doll! I remember getting the catalogue in the mail in the 3rd grade, back when there were only 3 dolls, and BEGGING my mother for Samantha. I thought she was the prettiest one, and she had brown hair like me! I got her for Christmas that year, and another doll for the next few Christmases. They are displayed proudly in my den, much to my husband's chagrin!

Rachel K Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 02:29 PM EST

That makes me so sad! I, too, have a Samantha doll! I can't believe they are going to discontinue her.

Sara Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 02:21 PM EST

Aw, that's so sad! I had a Samantha doll too and loved her to bits. Next time I'm home I'm going to have to find her and dress her up in one of her pretty dresses.

LL Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 02:19 PM EST

I have a Samantha! I remember I was kind of mad because I got her when it was only her, Kirsten, and Molly, and then the next year they came out with Felicity and I wanted her too because I have red hair. No dice though. I also wanted a "girl of today" doll to look like me, but by then I had grown out of it. I think it's crazy they're completely discontinuing her, but I bet her tiny watercolor set will make me some money on eBay someday!

Krista Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 02:08 PM EST

I'm going to go find my Samantha doll right now and give her a big hug. This is so sad. Samantha was always my favorite (with Felicity coming in a close second).

mscisluv Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 02:05 PM EST

I just checked the AG website - is anyone else in utter disbelief that the dolls are actually cheaper now than they were 15-20 years ago? That's crazy! I know that the $100+ for my doll was a huge amount for my family then, but why hasn't that price kept up with inflation?

ashley Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 02:03 PM EST

I used to dress my cat up in doll closthes and push her around the neighborhood in my cabbage patch stroller.

rebecca Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 01:56 PM EST

They're discontinuing Samantha? That's so sad. I didn't have Samantha (mine was actually one of those customizable "girl of today" ones) but I had several friends who did. Man, every little girl had at least one American Girl Doll then. Hasn't the company technically been bought out by Mattel now? Grrr.

Meghan Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 01:55 PM EST

I can't believe that...I always thought Samantha was one of their most popular dolls! I remember AG back when there were only three dolls - my sister had Samantha, I had Molly and my cousin had Kirsten. We would obsess over the catalog and I read the magazine from when it started until I was 13. And I agree with Winona - it seems like the historical dolls are given less and less emphasis now. It's a shame.

DT Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 01:52 PM EST

I had a Molly because my best friend in 3rd grade had a Samantha and she said I couldn't copy her. We are no longer friends:) Samantha had the coolest stuff! I'm also a Felicity fan so maybe I'll talk my daughter into her when the time is right.

Molly McIntire Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 01:47 PM EST

Heh heh heh. World domination starts now.

Katie Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 01:39 PM EST

I love that you dressed your cat up as Samantha...when I was 9 years old (waaay back in the 80's), I wanted an American Girl Doll so badly. I used to drool over the mail order catalogue (remember those?) and knew each item by heart. That summer, my family got our first and only pet, a cat that I desperately wanted to name "Frisky". In order to soothe my American Girl wanting heart (and spare our poor cat a horrible moniker!), my mom intervened, and our kitty was christened "Samantha Parkington Rochon", known as Sammie for short. That winter, I did end up with an AG doll, but Samantha Parkington the cat will always be my favorite!

Sara Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 01:33 PM EST

Aw, I had a Samantha, and my sister had Molly. I stole Molly's penny, but I definitely liked Samantha (and her checked dress) better.

meg Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 01:31 PM EST

This is devestating. I own her and now I can't buy anymore of her stuff.

Vicky Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 01:27 PM EST

I thought Samantha was their most popular doll. I read the books, but I never had her doll. I did always like her storylines best though. Maybe enough people will complain and they'll bring the doll back.

carla Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 01:19 PM EST

I too was saddened to hear of Samantha's untimely retirement, but not as sad as I was when I learned that Julie, the newest historical character, lived waaaaay back in the ... 1970s. The years of my childhood! I mean, I know I'm old, but... historic?

Winona Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 01:14 PM EST

Yes, let's get one step further from the original intent of AG, which was to teach girls about American history, and edge it further into full-blown blatant commercialism. Ugh.

Cara Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 01:11 PM EST

What?? No! Not Samantha! She was the only one I ever actually liked! This is terrible news. Discontinue stupid Felicity or Kirsten, American Girl company! Everybody likes Samantha! She was our little-girl version of wish-fulfillment fantasy! We need her and her petit fours!

mscisluv Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 01:11 PM EST

The only AG doll I had was Molly...but I dressed her in Samantha's much cooler clothes. Not really understanding why they have to discontinue her entire line ("including her best friend Nellie" lol)? Can anyone make sense of it?

Em Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 01:08 PM EST

What?!?!?! That's insane! I'm devastated, especially since I gave my Samantha doll (along with Kirsten and Felicity) to my niece a few years ago- I want Samantha back!