How Michael Jackson's Funeral Ratings Stack Up

Over 31 million people watched Tuesday's memorial to the King of Pop on television—and another 30 million are estimated to have viewed the program online. How does that compare to past celebrity funerals? The Daily Beast has some historical context.

The Daily Beast

Published Jul. 9 2009 9:26AM EDT

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Over 31 million people watched Tuesday's memorial to the King of Pop on television—and an additional 30 million are estimated to have viewed the program online. How does that compare to past celebrity funerals? The Daily Beast has some historical context.

Princess Diana — (9/6/97) 33.2 million viewers Michael Jackson — (7/7/09) 31.1 million Pope John Paul II — (4/8/05) 8.8 million President Gerald Ford — (1/2/07) 15 million President Ronald Reagan — (6/11/04) 20.8 million for morning funeral; 35 million for prime-time burial

Xtra Insight: View our gallery of celebrity funerals

Xtra Insight: Watch the highlights of Michael Jackson's memorial

Xtra Insight: Read our full Jackson coverage