Michael Jackson has retained his crown as the world’s highest-earning deceased celebrity, topping Forbes magazine’s 2025 list with an estimated $105 million in pre-tax income.
Forbes reports that most of the King of Pop’s earnings came from a $600 million deal between his estate and Sony Music, involving the sale of a 50 percent stake in his master recordings and publishing catalog.
Since his death in 2009, Jackson’s estate has amassed over $3.5 billion, making him the most financially successful celebrity in death. His ventures continue to thrive, with MJ: The Musical grossing nearly $300 million worldwide and Michael Jackson ONE in Las Vegas marking its 5,000th performance this year.
Trailing Jackson on the list is Dr. Seuss with $85 million, followed by Pink Floyd founders Richard Wright and Syd Barrett, who each earned $81 million after Sony’s $400 million catalog purchase.
Jackson’s legacy is set to reach new audiences with Michael, a biopic starring his nephew Jaafar Jackson, slated for release in April 2026.