The king of Pop, Michael Jackson, is the No. 1 highest-paid dead celebrity in the world for the eighth consecutive year.
In Forbes’ annual list of the top-earning deceased celebrities, Jackson ranked first with $48 million. More than 70% of Jackson’s earnings come from his Mijac Music catalog and his long-term deal with Sony accounts.
The runner-up, Dr. Seuss doubled his income in 2020 by a series of television and film deals, but books are still his biggest source of income.
Sadly, there are also young newcomers to the list — 21-year-old rapper, Juice WRLD (No. 7) and NBA star, Kobe Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash in January.
After the Lakers legend died in a helicopter accident in January, Nike sold out its Kobe Bryant merchandise. Fans also made a fast break for his autobiography, which sold more than 300,000 copies this year.
Other departed celebrities include; Charles Schulz, Arnold Palmer, Elvis Presley, Bob Marley, John Lennon, Prince, Freddie Mercury, George Harrison and Marilyn Monroe.
Here are the 13 top-earning deceased celebrities and their estimated earnings:
1. Michael Jackson – $48 million
2. Dr. Seuss” Geisel – $33 million
3. Charles M. Schulz – $32.5 million
4. Arnold Palmer – $25 million
5. Elvis Presley – $23 million
6. Kobe Byant – $20 million
7. Juice WRLD – $15 million
8. Bob Marley – $14 million
9. John Lennon – $13 million
10. Prince – $10 million
11. Freddie Mercury – $9 million
12. George Harrison – $8.5 million
13. Marilyn Monroe – $8 million
