Michael Jackson is still the reigning King of Pop even in death. The late American singer was the highest-paid deceased celebrity of 2025, according to Forbes.
Jackson earned an estimated $105 million over the past year.
The Express Tribune reports that since his passing in 2009, Jackson’s estate has accumulated over $3.5 billion.
Also Read: PAC crackdown: Atta-Mills pushes for prosecution of defaulting institutions over audit failures
This revenue has been fuelled by major deals, a long-standing Las Vegas residency, and highly successful stage productions.
Most recently, the estate sold a 50% stake in his master recordings and publishing catalogue to Sony Music for $600 million, further cementing his place as one of the most valuable artists in history.
His upcoming biopic Michael, starring his nephew Jaafar Jackson, is expected to further enhance his legacy when it premieres in April 2026.
Other late icons on Forbes’ list include Prince, John Lennon, and Bob Marley, but Jackson remains unparalleled, both culturally and financially.
The news about Jackson being the highest-paid deceased celebrity has attracted reactions on social media.
Below are some comments:
@CelebzLoveDrama:
“Imagine being so successful that you make more money than people make in their lifetime, 15 years after your death. No entertainer could ever match his success.”
“MJ’s ghost got better management than most living artists.”
@vgrasta00:
“Now this is how you create generational wealth.”
@Zillionhood:
“He is making more money than too many people alive.”
@TheeGingeeer
“Jackson has always been in a different lane from the rest, whether it was when he was alive vs being deceased. And exactly why people need to stop comparing that YN from Louisiana to him.”
@Yvette2540:
“Jackson is smiling cause he knew he would be relevant beyond eternity.”