- Jackson’s continued financial success stems from a $600 million deal
- Dr. Seuss ranked second with $85 million in earnings
- Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson is set for release in April 2026
Late American pop icon Michael Jackson has once again secured the top spot on Forbes’ 2025 list of highest-paid dead celebrities, earning an estimated $105 million in pre-tax income.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Jackson’s continued financial success stems from a $600 million deal between Sony Music and his estate, involving the sale of a 50% stake in his master recordings and publishing catalog.
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Since he died in 2009, Jackson’s estate has amassed over $3.5 billion, solidifying his reputation as the most successful posthumous celebrity in history.
His Broadway production, “MJ: The Musical,” has grossed nearly $300 million globally, while his Las Vegas show, “Michael Jackson ONE,” surpassed 5,000 performances this year.
Other late stars on Forbes’ list include Prince, John Lennon, and Bob Marley, whose estates collectively earned $541 million in 2025.
Children’s author Dr. Seuss ranked second with $85 million in earnings, while Pink Floyd co-founders Richard Wright and Syd Barrett followed closely, each making $81 million after Sony acquired the band’s catalog for $400 million.
A biopic titled Michael starring Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson is set for release in April 2026, expected to boost the late star’s legacy and revenue even further.
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