Michael Jackson was an American singer, actor, producer, and philanthropist. He had a net worth of $500 million when he died in 2009. At the time of his death, Michael was in debt because he has been overspending for decades. In 1985-1995, Michael Jackson earned $50 and $100 million through his record sales and endorsements. Jackson remains to be one of the most popular celebrities in the world. He has sold over 750 million albums worldwide and had successful music album sales even after his death.
Michael Jackson Net Worth at the time of his Death
Michael’s most valuable and precious asset was his music catalog. He owned the copyright value of his songs that were estimated to be worth $100 million. He also bought classic singles like:
- “Great Balls of Fire”
- “Shake Rattle Rattle and Roll”
- “When a Man Loves a Woman”
- “Runaround Sue”
During his lifetime Jackson earned $500 million from his music production, concerts, and videos. He died in 2009 and was in $500 million in debt. Jackson was bankrupt because he spent a lot of money and had a luxurious lifestyle. He spent $30 and $50 million on his lifestyle alone. He spent money on the following:
- Spent $17 million to buy the Neverland Ranch plus
- $20 million to settle the lawsuit related to child molestation
- $12 million divorce settlement
- Millions spent on Bentleys, clothes, chimpanzees, diamond-encrusted gloves, and other items
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Michael Jackson Net Worth Post Death
Michael Jackson died in 2009, and his state was worth $700 million. His assets were more than any other living artist. His executors paid back his loan and made sure to secure the future of his music catalog. His earning milestones include:
- 2018: $400 million
- 2017: $75 million
- 2016: $825 million
- 2015: $115 million
Parents and Siblings
Jackson’s mother Katherine Jackson was a housewife. His father Joseph Jackson was a guitarist but he did not pursue his musical aspirations because he wanted to provide for his family.
He worked as a crane operator and earned money for his family. Joseph pushed his sons to make a name in the music industry. There were also reports that he used to be violent with them.
Jackson had 10 siblings and the other nine siblings of Jackson include Rebbie, Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, La Toya, Marlon, Randy, and Janet. All of his siblings managed to make a mark in the music industry.
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Wives and Kids
Jackson got married to Lisa Presley in 1994. She is the daughter of rock star Elvis Presley. The couple appeared for a joint television interview on the show Diane Sawyer show, but they stayed together for a short period of time. They got separated in 1996. Some reports also claimed that the marriage was fake and was to help get Jackson out of the child molestation allegations.
Jackson got married to a nurse the same year and they got divorced in 1999. Jackson and Rowe share two children. Childbirth was done through artificial insemination. When the couple divorced, Michael had full custody of their children.