Late American singer Michael Jackson has been named the highest-paid deceased celebrity of 2025 by Forbes magazine, raking in an estimated $105 million in pre-tax earnings, Dailynaijanews.com reports.
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.
Here are 2025’s highest-earning dead celebrities:
#1. Michael Jackson: $105 Million
June 25, 2009 (50)
• Cause Of Death: Overdose/Homicide
#2. Dr. Seuss: $85 Million. September 24, 1991 (87) • Cause Of Death: Cancer
#3.Richard Wright, Syd Barrett, $81 Million, #4. $81 Million
September 15, 2008 (65), July 7, 2006 (60) Cause Of Death: Cancer, Cancer
#5. The Notorious B.I.G. $80 Million
March 9, 1997 (24) • Cause Of Death: Homicide
#6.Miles Davis $21 Million. September 8, 1991 (65) • Cause Of Death: Stroke
#7. Elvis Presley $17 Million. August 16, 1977 (42) • Cause Of Death: Heart Attack
#8. Jimmy Buffet $14 Million. September 1, 2023 (76) • Cause Of Death: Skin Cancer
#9. Bob Marley $13 Million. May 11, 1981 (36) • Cause Of Death: Cancer
#10. John Lennon $12 Million.
Date of Death: December 8, 1980 (40) • Cause Of Death: Homicide
