Even years after his passing, Michael Jackson continues to prove that legends never really fade away. His name remains as powerful as ever, not only in music but also in business. Forbes has officially crowned the King of Pop as the highest-paid dead celebrity of 2025, reminding the world that his impact runs deeper than time itself.
It’s no surprise that Michael Jackson’s estate continues to generate millions. Fans still stream his classics daily, his influence echoes through today’s hip-hop and R&B, and his brand remains one of the most recognizable in entertainment history.
When you think about how much he shaped modern pop and inspired artists from Drake to The Weeknd, it’s easy to understand why his name still dominates headlines.
Writing about Michael Jackson isn’t just about celebrating numbers , it’s about honoring an artist who built the bridge between pop, soul, and the modern sounds that drive today’s music industry. His story reminds us that creative genius doesn’t stop when the music ends; it continues to inspire generations of rappers, producers, and performers chasing greatness.
Michael Jackson tops Forbes’ 2025 list of highest-paid late celebrities
According to Forbes, Michael Jackson earned an estimated $105 million in 2025, more than any other late icon by a wide margin. Since his passing in 2009, his estate has brought in a jaw-dropping $3.5 billion, proving he’s not just a musical legend but also a financial powerhouse.
“When it comes to estate earnings, it’s MJ, then an enormous canyon, then everybody else,” an estate attorney told Forbes. That quote says it all, no one even comes close to what Jackson continues to achieve posthumously.
Most of his recent income came from a $600 million deal with Sony Music in 2024, where the company acquired a 50% stake in his master recordings and publishing catalog. The agreement also included a new royalty structure giving his estate a bigger cut of global profits.
Although his mother, Katherine Jackson, voiced concerns about the sale, saying it went against her son’s wishes, the move secured Jackson’s catalog as one of the most valuable in music history.
The king still rules the game
Other late music icons like Prince, John Lennon, and Bob Marley also made Forbes’ list, but Jackson remains in a league of his own. Together, those artists earned a combined $541 million before taxes, yet the King of Pop still leads by far.
Michael Jackson’s story is more than a financial headline; it’s a reminder that passion and legacy never die. From Thriller to Bad, from his moonwalk to his message of unity, MJ continues to inspire the hip-hop and pop worlds alike. Decades later, he’s still breaking records, setting standards, and proving that real legends never leave the stage; they just keep playing on repeat.