FX.co ★ Top earning dead celebrities

Michael Jackson again leads the list this year. His fortune swelled to $825 million in 2016. In March the Sony/ATV music publishing empire bought half a stake of the legendary musician.

The second rank is given to cartoonist Charles Schulz, who achieved international fame thanks to his comic books about Charlie Brown and Snoopy. In the end 2016, his fortune is estimated at $48 million gained through the franchise.

Golf legend Arnold Palmer rounds out the top three with the fortune having reached $40 million after his death. The wealth of the famous gold player has been growing thanks to revenues from 500 stores under his brand. Retail outlets are situated in Asia. Besides, Palmer brand-name soft beverages also yield big profits worldwide.

King of Rock 'n' Roll Elvis Presley earned $27 million this year. Over 1 million albums were sold in 2016. Graceland, his mansion turned into a museum, also provides his family with steady income.

Prince also ranks high on the list. His heirs inherited $25 million. Sales of Prince's albums account for the bulk of revenues bringing $2.5 million in 2016.

Reggae legend Bob Marley occupies the 6th rank with a $21-million wealth. His afterlife wealth comes from three sources: the Marley Beverage company (home to “relaxation drink” Marley's Mellow Mood), House of Marley (maker of eco-friendly audio and lifestyle products) and music (over 75 million albums sold).

Books by Theodor Seuss Geise, known as Dr. Seuss, are an integral part in life of any American kid. Millions of his books are sold every year. After death of the popular writer, his family earned $20 million in 2016 alone.

John Lennon is making millions beyond the grave. Sales of his albums generated $12 million in 2016. His afterlife wealth is growing on account of other projects, for example the Love show staged by Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas.

Pictures of outstanding physicist Albert Einstein are printed on apparel and posters that are always in vogue. Albert Einstein earned $11 million thanks to branded merchandise including tablets designed by Israeli tech company Fourier Systems. Besides, an artificial intellect module for CRM Salesforse bears his name.