The words that death is not the end was confirmed by Forbes magazine, having published its list of celebrities who continue to earn millions of dollars after their death. When a star dies, its popularity does not fade. All films, albums, books and images remain forever, preserving the memory of the star and providing a piece of bread with a thick layer of butter to her heirs and successors.
Here they are, the rich and the dead, who have entered top 10 highest paid deceased celebrities of 2016.
10. Betty Page
Annual income - $ 11 million.
The adorable pin-up model died in 2008 and her name still generates millions of dollars a year, mostly from Bettie Page clothing, including 50s-inspired dresses, swimwear and lingerie.
9. Albert Einstein
Annual income - $ 11.5 million.
The only scientist on the list of the richest deceased celebrities. Albert Einstein lived from 1879 to 1955. In 2015, his income, which is owned by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, amounted to over 11 million from the sale of goods, including mugs, posters and dolls.
8. John Lennon
Annual income - $ 12 million.
It has been 35 years since the iconic Beatles was killed by four bullets in the back, but his songs still sound and generate significant profit for copyright holders.
7. Theodor Geisel, aka "Dr. Seuss"
Annual income - $ 20 million.
This US children's writer, who died in 1991, has gifted the world with books such as Green Eggs and Ham, The Cat in the Hat, and Places Where You Go. They are very popular with little Americans.
6. Bob Marley
Annual income - $ 21 million.
Bob Marley's dying words were reportedly "money can't buy life." But they can be earned even after death thanks to deductions from the sale of music and income from the "family estate" of the king of reggae. It is located near the city of Ocho Rios (Jamaica). There are cannabis plantations near the estate, where tourists can arrange a paid excursion.
5. Prince
Annual income - $ 25 million.
Prince's estate (and his recording studio as well) Paisley Park recently opened its doors to the public. Those wishing to see where the famous singer and composer lived and recorded his songs must pay between $ 38.50 and $ 100 for a tour. And his albums will be popular with connoisseurs of rhythm and blues, rock and avant-garde for a long time to come.
4. Elvis Presley
Annual income - $ 27 million.
Elvis left the building in 1977 at the age of 42, but is still raking in money as fans of the "king" flock to his former home and Graceland vacation spot to buy albums.
3. Arnold Palmer
Annual income is $ 40 million.
The legendary golfer, who passed away in 2016 at the age of 87, is ranked as the richest deceased star at number three, although it is clear that most of his 40 million fortune came while Palmer was still alive.
2. Charles Schultz
Annual income - $ 48 million.
Best known as the creator of the Peanuts comic strip. This daily comic was published from 1950 to 2000 (before the author's death) and has 17,897 issues.Even if you are not familiar with this comic, you may have seen images of the cute dog Snoopy, one of the Peanuts characters.
1. Michael Jackson
Annual income - $ 825 million.
Despite the fact that it has been nine years since the death of the King of Pop, his name continues to be profitable. His heirs sold a 50% stake in Sony / ATV Music Publishing to the Japanese corporation Sony. He owns the rights to thousands of musical compositions, including The Beatles songs. The deal cost Sony $ 750 million. Jackson acquired the music rights of the Liverpool Four back in 1984 for $ 47.5 million, then sold 50 percent to Sony in 1995 for $ 115 million.