As of 2023, the late American musician Michael Jackson, widely known as the “King of Pop,” holds the title of the highest-paid deceased celebrity in the world. According to Forbes magazine’s 2023 annual list, he has earned an estimated $115 million, regaining the top spot after not occupying it for the past four years.
The second place on the list goes to Elvis Presley, who was Michael Jackson’s late father-in-law, with an estimated net worth of $100 million.
The top 13 deceased celebrities list also includes other iconic figures such as Whitney Houston, Bob Marley, Prince, and John Lennon.
In the previous year, these deceased celebrities collectively earned approximately $470 million, marking a 70 percent decrease from the earnings in 2022. The rankings are based on their pre-tax sales and licensing earnings, as well as other sources of income generated between October 1, 2022, and September 30, 2023.
See the list below:
US singer, Michael Jackson – $115 million
US singer and actor, Elvis Presley – $100 million
US keyboardist, Ray Manzarek – $45 million
US cartoonist, Dr. Seuss – $40 million
US cartoonist, Charles M. Schulz – $30 million
US singer, Prince – $30 million
US singer, Whitney Houston – $30 million
British singer, John Lennon – $22 million
Jamaican singer, Bob Marley – $16 million
US singer, Bing Crosby – $14 million
British singer, George Harrison – $14 million
US golfer, Arnold Palmer – $10 million
US singer, Marilyn Monroe – $10 million