Michael Jackson crowned highest-paid deceased celebrity of 2025 by Forbes, earning $105m through Sony deal and global productions

Michael Jackson highest-paid deceased celebrity once again — the late American pop legend has been named Forbes’ highest-earning dead celebrity of 2025, pulling in a staggering $105 million in pre-tax income.

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The King of Pop’s enduring financial power stems from a blockbuster deal with Sony Music, which saw his estate sell a 50% stake in his master recordings and publishing catalogue for $600 million.

Since Jackson’s death in 2009, his estate has amassed more than $3.5 billion, confirming his status as the most financially successful celebrity in history, even posthumously.

His Broadway smash, 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 — both major contributors to his 2025 earnings.

Forbes’ list of top-earning deceased celebrities also includes musical greats Prince, John Lennon, and Bob Marley, whose combined estates generated $541 million over the past year.

Author Dr Seuss took second place with $85 million, driven by booming book sales and a lucrative Netflix adaptation deal.

Meanwhile, Pink Floyd’s co-founders, Richard Wright and Syd Barrett, earned $81 million each following Sony’s $400 million acquisition of the band’s catalogue.

Jackson’s legacy continues to thrive beyond record sales. A much-anticipated biopic titled Michael— starring his nephew Jaafar Jackson — is set for release in April 2026, with analysts predicting another surge in global revenue for the estate.

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Fifteen years after his passing, Michael Jackson’s influence and profitability remain unmatched, proving that his brand — like his music — continues to defy time.