Michael Jackson's Legacy: The King of Pop's Estate Continues to Thrive in 2025
Michael Jackson retained his position as the highest-earning deceased celebrity in 2025, raking in $105 million according to Forbes. Since his passing in 2009, the King of Pop's estate has amassed an impressive $3.5 billion. An estate attorney noted that Jackson's earnings far surpass those of other deceased celebrities. A significant portion of his recent earnings came from the sale of a 50% stake in his music catalog to Sony Music for $600 million in 2024, which also included improved royalty terms. Despite initial opposition from his mother, the deal was successfully completed. Jackson's Las Vegas show, Michael Jackson ONE, celebrated over 5,000 performances this year and is scheduled to continue until 2030.
Broadway's MJ: The Musical, which debuted in 2022, has garnered nearly $300 million in global box office revenue. Additionally, a biopic featuring his nephew Jaafar Jackson is set to premiere in April 2026. Forbes' list of top-earning deceased celebrities featured ten musicians out of thirteen spots, including iconic figures like Prince, John Lennon, and Bob Marley. The enduring popularity of Michael Jackson's music and legacy continues to generate substantial earnings for his estate, solidifying his status as a music legend even after his passing.