Late American singer Michael Jackson has been crowned the highest-paid deceased celebrity of 2025 by Forbes magazine, raking in an estimated $105 million in pre-tax earnings.
The King of Pop’s financial dominance is attributed to a lucrative deal with Sony Music, where the estate sold a 50% stake in his master recordings and publishing catalog for a whopping $600 million.
Jackson’s estate has generated a sum of $3.5 billion since his passing in 2009, solidifying his position as the most posthumously successful celebrity of all time.
His Broadway hit, MJ: The Musical, has grossed nearly $300 million worldwide, while his long-running Las Vegas residency, Michael Jackson ONE, surpassed 5,000 performances this year.
Other notable musicians on Forbes’ annual list include Prince, John Lennon, and Bob Marley, who collectively earned $541 million in the past year.
Dr. Seuss secured the second spot with $85 million in earnings, driven by robust book sales and Netflix licensing deals.
Pink Floyd co-founders Richard Wright and Syd Barrett each earned $81 million after Sony purchased the band’s catalog for $400 million.
Jackson’s influence extends beyond record sales, with his estate’s empire continuing to expand.
A highly anticipated biopic, “Michael,” starring his nephew Jaafar Jackson, is set to premiere in April 2026, expected to drive another wave of renewed interest and earnings.
The King of Pop’s financial dominance is attributed to a lucrative deal with Sony Music, where the estate sold a 50% stake in his master recordings and publishing catalog for a whopping $600 million.
Jackson’s estate has generated a sum of $3.5 billion since his passing in 2009, solidifying his position as the most posthumously successful celebrity of all time.
His Broadway hit, MJ: The Musical, has grossed nearly $300 million worldwide, while his long-running Las Vegas residency, Michael Jackson ONE, surpassed 5,000 performances this year.
Other notable musicians on Forbes’ annual list include Prince, John Lennon, and Bob Marley, who collectively earned $541 million in the past year.
Dr. Seuss secured the second spot with $85 million in earnings, driven by robust book sales and Netflix licensing deals.
Pink Floyd co-founders Richard Wright and Syd Barrett each earned $81 million after Sony purchased the band’s catalog for $400 million.
Jackson’s influence extends beyond record sales, with his estate’s empire continuing to expand.
A highly anticipated biopic, “Michael,” starring his nephew Jaafar Jackson, is set to premiere in April 2026, expected to drive another wave of renewed interest and earnings.
