Filed under: Celebrity News
CBSnews.com reports:
Michael Jackson's drawing power in death leaped off the charts, vaulting him to the top of Forbes' latest list of the top-earning deceased celebrities.
The magazine says The Gloved One's estate grossed $275 million between Oct. 1, 2009 and Oct. 1, 2010.
It was, Forbes says, more than the other dozen dead stars on the list combined -- and more than the combined earnings of the biggest living acts, U2 and AC/DC.
Read the rest at CBSnews.com.
While it's sad that Michael Jackson could not command such respect and so many accolades near the end of his life, it's wonderful that his legacy is flourishing now. His heirs will most likely use this posthumously-earned fortune to continue the good works that Michael Jackson was committed to during his life, but for which he received surprisingly little attention. When Jackson's two older children, Paris and Prince, received an award on their father's behalf in February of this year, Prince stated:
Our father was always concerned about the planet and humanity. Through all his hard work and dedication, he has helped through many charities and donated to all of them. Through all of his songs, his message was simple. Love. We will continue to spread his message and help the world. Thank you. We love you daddy.
While they are still kids now, it is a safe bet to assume that Prince, Paris and perhaps even little Blanket, will use the funds Michael Jackson continues to generate to further his cause of spreading love and healing the world.
An interesting compendium of Michael Jackson's extensive giving can be found on a Web site dedicated to tracking charitable acts, Vivanista.com. MichaelJackson.com also notes that Jackson "was listed in the 2000 book of Guinness World Records for his support[ing] more charities than any other entertainer or personality. Jackson supported 39 charities through cash donations and sponsorships." This is amazing given the fact that Jackson was often financially struggling during the latter part of his life, going into mountains of debt. Despite this, he still found funds to share.
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While building wealth is great, it's also important to remember to share your wealth with the world that gave so much to you. Michael Jackson demonstrated this in life, and his heirs will likely continue to enact his charitable will even in his death -- especially now that Jackson's estate is wealthier than ever. Michael Jackson might be the highest-earning dead celebrity, but through his children and family I bet he will also remain the most charitable as well.