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Disney Honors ‘The Golden Girls’ 40th Anniversary with Inclusive Merch, Cheesecake Candles, and a TV Special
READ TIME: 3 MIN.
Forty years after its debut, “The Golden Girls” remains a cultural touchstone—especially for LGBTQ+ fans who have long embraced its themes of chosen family, resilience, and humor in the face of adversity. This July, Disney Entertainment Television is launching a multifaceted celebration honoring the sitcom’s enduring legacy with a blend of nostalgia-infused merchandise, culinary experiences, and a primetime television special. The festivities begin on July 30, officially recognized as Golden Girls Day, and continue through the fall with nationwide events and product launches .
Fans can look forward to an array of thoughtfully curated products designed to capture the spirit of the show’s four iconic characters—Dorothy, Blanche, Rose, and Sophia. The merchandise includes:
- A “Thank You for Being a Friend” pillow by Furbish Studio, available for pre-order starting August 19, with the official launch set for September 12. This marks the first time that the estate of Andrew Gold, who wrote the show’s beloved theme song, has allowed the lyrics to be featured on merchandise .
- Limited-edition candles from Candier, including “I’ll get the Cheesecake!” and “Thank You for Being a Friend,” launching September 14.
- A capsule fashion collection by sustainable designer Zero Waste Daniel, who is known for upcycling materials and promoting inclusivity within fashion. The collaboration highlights the show’s ongoing influence on LGBTQ+ and eco-conscious communities .
- Nocking Point Wines is introducing a special four-bottle wine assortment, each inspired by one of the show’s leads, celebrating their unique personalities and the diversity of their friendship .
- Yogurtland is offering a cheesecake-flavored yogurt, cleverly titled “Thank You for Being a Cheesecake,” available for a limited time to coincide with National Cheesecake Day on July 30 .
- A “Golden Girls” brick-building set by Brick Craft is slated for release in November, allowing fans young and old to recreate scenes from the iconic Miami home .
To anchor the celebration, ABC News is producing a one-hour special dedicated to the sitcom’s legacy, scheduled to air during the week of the anniversary. The program promises interviews with cast members, behind-the-scenes stories, and commentary from cultural critics and fans about the show’s lasting impact on American television and LGBTQ+ representation .
Erin Weir, executive vice president of marketing at Disney Entertainment Television, emphasized that the campaign is designed to be “both deeply nostalgic and completely modern… honoring the show’s enduring legacy and fandom while inviting new generations to connect with its timeless themes of friendship, humor and heart. This celebration crosses lifestyle, food, fashion and entertainment, reminding us all why ‘The Golden Girls’ continues to resonate four decades later” .
While “The Golden Girls” never explicitly addressed LGBTQ+ issues in every episode, its empathetic storytelling, camp sensibility, and memorable one-liners made it a staple in queer households and a mainstay at drag brunches and viewing parties. The show’s willingness to address topics like HIV/AIDS, same-sex relationships, and chosen family was groundbreaking for its time, and its four leads remain beloved gay icons .
The involvement of LGBTQ+ creators like Zero Waste Daniel in the anniversary campaign underlines the show’s continued resonance within the community. Nationwide events, from immersive experiences to themed food and wine, invite fans of all ages and identities to celebrate the power of friendship and self-expression that “The Golden Girls” championed.
As fans across the country prepare to gather—some for the first time since the pandemic—the anniversary events serve as a reminder of the power of inclusive storytelling and the importance of spaces where everyone can feel at home.
“Thank you for being a friend” is more than just a lyric; for many LGBTQ+ people, it’s a statement of solidarity, resilience, and joy. As Disney commemorates this milestone, it’s clear the legacy of “The Golden Girls” will continue to inspire new generations for years to come.
