post-mortem adoration

The Phenom of people suddenly gaining fame and being appreciated after they die even though they were ignored or disliked while they were living.

It often happens because when someone dies you don't have to acknowledge the bad aspects of them so you focus on what you like about them.

Van Gogh had a bad case of post-mortem adoration.

Damn dawg, if I was ignored in life but then gained fame and appreciation after I die, that would be post-mortem adoration