Michael Jackson wasn’t coined ‘King of Pop’ until AFTER he passed?

My family and I all remember Michael Jackson being referred to as the “PRINCE of pop” throughout radio, live shows, media, etc. all while he was still kicking around

It wasn’t until he passed in 2009 when we heard media “promote” him to KING of pop, as a way to honor him. Ironically enough, the title of “prince of pop” was passed down to Justin Timberlake, but it didn’t really stick after around a year.

I unfortunately don’t have any recordings or proof atm so take it with a grain of salt, but I’ve been very confused looking back at 80s/90s documentaries/interviews already calling him “King of Pop”