Late pop icon Michael Jackson has been named the highest-paid dead celebrity of 2025 by Forbes, earning an estimated $105 million before taxes.
The King of Pop’s estate benefited greatly from a deal with Sony Music, which saw a 50% stake in his master recordings and publishing catalog sold for $600 million.
Since Michael Jackson’s death in 2009, his estate has generated a total of $3.5 billion, making him the most financially successful posthumous celebrity ever.
Jackson’s Broadway show, MJ: The Musical, has earned nearly $300 million worldwide, while his long-running Las Vegas residency, Michael Jackson ONE, reached over 5,000 performances this year.
Other top-earning deceased musicians include Prince, John Lennon, and Bob Marley, who together made $541 million over the past year.
Children’s author Dr. Seuss came second with $85 million, thanks to strong book sales and Netflix licensing deals. Pink Floyd co-founders Richard Wright and Syd Barrett each earned $81 million after Sony bought the band’s catalog for $400 million.
