American Girl announced its "Girl of the Year" for 2023 on Thursday, revealing that a South Asian character was being given the title for the first time ever.

Kavika Sharma, or "Kavi," a character from Metuchen, New Jersey who loves Broadway, performing, dancing and singing, was given the title. The doll, which costs $115.00, practices Hinduism with her family.

"As we ring in a new year, we're excited to have Kavi Sharma take center stage in our popular Girl of the Year lineup," Jamie Cygielman, General Manager of American Girl said in a press release. "Just like all our beloved characters, Kavi's culturally relevant and aspirational stories help inspire kids to shine bright in their own way and be proud of who they are."

Varsha Bajaj, a New York Times bestselling author, and the author of an American Girl book that depicts Kavi's life, says that she incorporated dance, yoga traditions, food, clothing, and magical festivals like Diwali and Holi into Kavi's story.

"Kavi's story is important to all the young readers who will see parts of their lives represented. I took immense delight in showcasing slivers of Indian culture," Bajaj explained in the release.

"I think South Asian girls and women of all ages will feel seen, included, and represented," Bajaj said in a statement.

"Little girls will embrace her with joy, while older women may see her as a gift to their younger selves. I hope that all kids will embrace Kavi as a friend and love her story," Bajaj added.

American Girl has been a beloved brand since 1986 with a line of dolls that are meant to be inspiring for children of all ages through a love of American history and commitment to high-quality educational products, according to the company website.

The lineup of dolls has since expanded to include a diverse collection of characters with different historical and contemporary stories and backgrounds, as well as lines known as "Truly Me," "Wellie Wishers" and "Bitty Babies."