Michael Jackson, the late king of pop, has once again been crowned the top-earning deceased celebrity, leading Forbes’ 2025 list with an estimated $105 million in earnings.
The ranking, published on Monday, compiles the 13 highest-grossing late stars based on their pretax income from the past 12 months.
The revenue is derived from a variety of sources, including music and book sales, streaming, licensing deals, and other ventures.
The list also considers estate acquisitions that were finalised or announced within that period.
This marks the third consecutive year — and the 13th time overall — that Jackson has held the number one position.
According to Forbes, his estate has generated a staggering $3.5 billion since his death in 2009.
Claiming the second spot was Theodor Seuss Geisel, the US author of children’s and young adult books, with an estimated $85 million.
The list featured a diverse range of late legends from music and sports, including Elvis Presley, the Notorious B.I.G., Prince, Kobe Bryant, and Bob Marley.
See the list below:
1. Michael Jackson (US singer) – $105 million
2. Theodor Seuss Geisel (US author) – $85 million
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3. Richard Wright, (British singer) – $81 million
4. Syd Barret (British singer) – $81 million
5.Notorious B.I.G (US rapper) – $80 million
6. Miles Davis (US trumpeter) – $21 million
7. Elvis Presley (US singer) – $17 million
8. Jimmy Buffet (US singer) – $14 million
9. Bob Marley (Jamaican singer) – $13 million
10. John Lennon (US singer) – $12 million
11. Prince (US singer) – $11 million
12. Arnold Palmer (US golfer) – $11 million
13. Kobe Bryant (US basketballer) – $10 million
