Forbes Names Michael Jackson 2025’s Highest Earning Deceased Celebrity

Even in death, Michael Jackson continues to make headlines.

The King of Pop has topped Forbes 2025 list of highest paid deceased celebrities, earning an impressive 105 million dollars over the past year.

Most of this income came from the 2024 sale of a 50 percent stake in his master recordings and publishing catalog to Sony Music for 600 million dollars.

Jackson’s enduring influence in music and business ensures that his legacy and earnings remain unmatched.

Musicians dominated the list, taking 10 of the top 15 spots.

Icons such as Prince, John Lennon, and Bob Marley joined Jackson in collectively earning 541 million dollars over the past year.

Since his passing in 2009, Jackson’s estate has generated a staggering 3.5 billion dollars, securing his place as the most financially successful deceased celebrity of all time.