The North American magazine published the ranking with the annual earnings of deceased artists such as Prince, Bob Marley and Kobe Bryant
Even after death, many celebrities continue to make fortunes from their legacies. The magazine Forbes published this Friday, the 31st, the annual ranking of the deceased celebrities who earned the most. Names include Prince, Bob Marley, Michael Jackson and Kobe Bryant. At the top of the list reigns, as usual, the King of Pop. Michael Jackson is in first place with revenues of R$505 million (US$105 million) over the past 12 months.
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In total, Jackson’s estate has earned more than R$19 billion ($3.6 billion) since his death in 2009. “When it comes to posthumous earnings,” an estate lawyer told Forbes, “there’s Michael Jackson — and then there’s a huge gulf for the rest.”
Musicians dominate the publication’s ranking: among the 13 artists who earned the most in 2025, 10 come from music. Their earnings come from record catalogs and royalties that continue to generate millions, as in the case of Prince, John Lennon and Bob Marley.
In recent years, several deceased artists have entered the chart by selling part of their rights to companies and investment funds. Names like The Notorious BIG, Miles Davis and two members of Pink Floyd, for example, made million-dollar deals last year.
Other stars maintain profits through physical products and licensed brands: Arnold Palmer drinks generate more than R$1 billion a year, Kobe Bryant’s sneakers continue to sell out at Nike and Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville empire includes clothing, cruises, hotels and even retirement condominiums.
See the ranking below:
The 13 highest paid dead celebrities of 2025
1. Michael Jackson – R$505 million ($105 million)
The King of Pop’s heirs sold 50% of their music and copyright rights to Sony in 2024 for R$3.3 billion ($600 million), also securing a larger share of worldwide royalties. The expectation is that profits will continue to grow. In addition to the musical and the show in Las Vegas, the film Michael, starring his nephew Jaafar, is scheduled to premiere in 2026, which is expected to further boost the company’s revenue.
2. Dr. Seuss – R$456 million (US$85 million)
Author Theodor Seuss Geisel remains the best-selling children’s writer in the United States, with 4.8 million copies sold as of 2024, surpassing JK Rowling. His characters, like the Cat in the Hat and the Grinch, are still worth their weight in gold. Three new series are in production on Netflix and an animated adaptation of The Cat in the Hat approxIt will be released in theaters in 2026. Additionally, an unpublished manuscript will also be released in July 2026, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States.
3 and 4. Founders of Pink Floyd: R$870 million (US$162 million)
This year the estates of Pink Floyd’s late founders, Richard Wright and Syd Barrett, each received R$435 million. The total value reaches R$ 870 million. The band’s catalog was sold to Sony Music Publishing in 2024 for R$2.1 billion ($400 million). Proceeds from the sale were split between the three living members and the estate of Wright and Barrett, who own compositions on more than a dozen of the band’s songs.
5. The Notorious BIG: R$430 million (US$80 million)
Rapper Christopher Wallace, the legendary Biggie Smalls, sold half his catalog and image rights to Primary Wave Music in March 2025, shortly before the death of his mother, Voletta Wallace, who oversaw the posthumous albums and films. Known (2009).
6. Miles Davis – R$ 112 million ($21 million)
On the eve of his centennial, Reservoir Media purchased 90% of Davis’ estate, which plans a series of commemorative performances at venues including New York’s Lincoln Center. Actor Damson Idris, from Snowfall, will play the trumpeter and jazz icon in a new biopic.
7. Elvis Presley – R$91.3 million (US$17 million)
The King of Rock’s estate is run by Elvis’ niece, Riley Keough. The family owns 15% of Elvis Presley Enterprises, while the remaining 85% belongs to the Authentic Brands Group, also responsible for the legacy of names such as Muhammad Ali and Marilyn Monroe.
8. Jimmy Buffett – R$75 million (US$14 million)
The Margaritaville empire, which ranged from hotels to clothing to cruises, made Buffett a billionaire before he died. He left two funds: one for his children and the other for his widow. Jan Buffett’s estate, estimated at R$5.3 billion (US$1 billion), is still the subject of legal dispute between his heirs. However, the estate continues to earn money.
9. Bob Marley – R$69 million (US$13 million)
The Marley brand continues to grow. Las Vegas was awarded the Bob Marley Hope Road show, with 29 weekly shows and the participation of the Primary Wave fund, which already owns part of the catalogue. The company also profits from an avalanche of licensed products: from audio to coffee, from perfumes to cannabis.
10. John Lennon – R$64.5 million ($12 million)
A new HBO documentary about her legendary 1972 show at Madison Square Garden will premiere in November and is expected to boost streaming of her music, still under Yoko Ono’s control. Despite the end of the Beatles’ show in Las Vegas, each member of the English band still earns more than R$30 million ($6 million a year) with the group’s name and image.
11. Prince – R$59.14 (US$11 million)
Even in death, Prince still struggles for control of his own story. Without a will, the estate of more than R$530 million (156 million dollars) is the scene of legal battles between family members and lawyers. A recent dispute concerns a Netflix documentary directed by Ezra Edelman, which was shelved after five years of production.
12. Arnold Palmer – R$59 million (US$11 million)
The classic drink “Arnold Palmer” (tea with lemonade), produced in collaboration with AriZona Beverages, continues to be profitable, despite the slight decline in sales. The family still controls Bay Hill Club in Florida and Latrobe Country Club in Pennsylvania, where the legendary golfer got his start.
13. Kobe Bryant – R$53.7 million (US$10 million)
The “Mamba” continues to be on the rise: Revenue from the Nike Kobe line will quadruple in 2025, according to the company’s CFO. A new deal with the family calls for more than a dozen sneaker and apparel launches by the end of the year.
Source: Terra
Ashley Fitzgerald is a journalist and author at Gossipify, known for her coverage of famous people and their lives. She writes about a wide range of topics, including celebrities, influencers, social media stars, and public figures. Her articles are known for their in-depth analysis and unique perspective. She is respected for her ability to keep readers up to date with the latest news and trends of the famous people.
