More than a decade after his passing, Michael Jackson continues to dominate the global entertainment landscape even in death. The King of Pop has been named 2025’s highest-paid deceased celebrity by Forbes, earning an estimated $105 million in the past year alone.
With this, Jackson extends a posthumous financial legacy unmatched in modern celebrity culture. Since his death in 2009, his estate has generated over $3.5 billion, a testament to his enduring influence, powerful brand equity and unparalleled cultural impact.
Jackson’s latest earnings are driven largely by a major catalogue deal with Sony Music, which acquired 50% of his master recordings and publishing assets in a transaction valued at approximately $600 million. The deal ranks among the largest music intellectual-property acquisitions in history and reflects a growing industry trend of legacy catalogue monetisation.
Beyond rights sales, the star’s global footprint remains formidable.
- MJ: The Musical has grossed nearly $300 million worldwide
- Michael Jackson ONE in Las Vegas surpassed 5,000 performances, cementing its place as one of the longest-running theatrical shows in Las Vegas history
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From Broadway theatres to global streaming platforms, Jackson’s catalogue continues to attract new audiences, proving that his commercial power endures across generations.
Jackson leads a distinguished group of late icons on this year’s Forbes list, underscoring the lasting financial strength of legacy entertainment brands.
- Dr Seuss ranked second with $85 million, buoyed by sustained publishing success and Netflix deals
- Pink Floyd’s Richard Wright and Syd Barrett earned $81 million each, following Sony’s $400 million purchase of the band’s catalogue.
- Other music greats, including Prince, Bob Marley and John Lennon, contributed to a combined $541 million earned by top posthumous musicians this year.
Jackson’s estate appears poised for another wave of global attention. Production continues on Michael, a major Hollywood biopic starring his nephew, Jaafar Jackson, scheduled for release in April 2026. Industry analysts expect the film to spark renewed interest in Jackson’s discography and merchandise, similar to the resurgence experienced by Elvis Presley’s estate following the release of Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis.
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Michael Jackson’s posthumous success is not merely financial; it reflects an artistry that continues to resonate deeply across cultures and continents. His music remains a global staple, his choreography a benchmark for performers, and his influence visible in artists from Lagos to Los Angeles.
In life, he redefined entertainment. In death, he continues to redefine legacy.
With global earnings still climbing, Michael Jackson remains exactly what he was when he last stood on a world stage: a cultural phenomenon whose legend refuses to fade.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
