More than 16 years after his passing, the “King of Pop” Michael Jackson continues to reign supreme, this time on Forbes’ annual list of the highest-paid deceased celebrities of 2025.
According to Forbes, Jackson earned a staggering $105 million over the past year, outpacing every other late celebrity by a wide margin. His enduring financial dominance underscores the unmatched global influence of his music, image, and brand.
The bulk of Jackson’s latest earnings reportedly came from the 2024 sale of a 50% stake in his master recordings and publishing catalog to Sony Music, a deal valued at $600 million. This landmark transaction significantly boosted his estate’s annual revenue and reaffirmed his status as one of the most valuable musical artists in history.
Since his death in June 2009, Jackson’s estate has continued to generate massive income from music royalties, licensing deals, and new media ventures. To date, his estate has reportedly earned over $3.5 billion, making him the most successful posthumous celebrity in history.
Other late music legends also dominated the 2025 list, with Prince, John Lennon, and Bob Marley among the top earners. Collectively, Forbes reported that deceased musicians accounted for $541 million in total income within the last year; a testament to the timeless power of music and legacy-driven branding.
Despite his death, Michael Jackson’s influence shows no sign of fading. His music continues to stream in the billions, his estate-backed Broadway musical MJ the Musical remains a global hit, and younger generations continue to discover his artistry through digital platforms and viral trends.
From record-breaking tours to posthumous deals, Jackson’s empire remains one of entertainment’s greatest success stories, proving that even in death, the “King of Pop” still rules.
