Message is not what to think, but what to think about. Pictures we carry around in our heads, and how they got there. If image is strong enough, we continue to react along after person is dead. Images are positive, popular, celebrities Images are safe and reliable. Won't let you down.
Celebrities are famous for being famous.
The image is manufactured by public relations, advertising, promotion. Value of Elvis estate much greater now than when he died. Same for Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin. Fantasy vs. reality. Media are product of the society.