Michael Jackson Tops 2025 List of Highest-Paid Deceased Celebrities with $105 Million Earnings

The late American music icon, Michael Jackson, has been declared the highest-paid deceased celebrity in 2025, earning an estimated $105 million in the past year. This substantial income surpasses that of other late celebrities, with a significant portion stemming from the sale of a 50% stake in his master record publishing catalog to Sony Music in a deal reportedly worth $600 million.

Jackson's estate, which has been managed since his passing in 2009, boasts a staggering $3.5 billion in assets, solidifying his financial success as one of the highest-earning deceased celebrities in history. Notably, Jackson dominates this year's list of highest-earning late celebrities, with other icons like Prince, John Lennon, and Bob Marley also making substantial earnings.

The report highlights Jackson's enduring legacy and financial impact on the entertainment industry, cementing his status as a music legend.