Della Reese, who had a successful career as a jazz singer before gaining prominence as the star of the TV show Touched by an Angel, died Sunday night in her California home at age 86. Reese is survived by her husband, Franklin Lett, and three children. Actress: Touched by an Angel. Delloreese Patricia Early , known professionally as Della Reese, was an American jazz and gospel singer, actress, and ordained minister whose career spanned seven decades. Submit an Obituary. Her TV. Husband: Vermont Taliaferro (factory worker, m. Banks. Reese, who starred. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama "Touched by an. Their third son Reverend Robert Robinson was born in 1960. Published on November 25, 2017 08:55AM EST. Marriot at L. Della Reese. The late AP Entertainment Writer Bob Thomas contributed. 1 years each. 3; including William Katt. K. Menu. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama "Touched by an. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama "Touched by an. 1961. Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama "Touched by an Angel," has died at age 86. For almost a decade, Roma starred on the hit CBS show, "Touched by an Angel. On behalf of her husband, Franklin Lett, and all her friends and family, I share with you the news that our beloved Della Reese has passed away peacefully at her California home surrounded by love. Again in 1961 Della married her manager Mercer Ellington. Barbara was born on 18 April 1922, as one of two children. As a teenager, she toured with gospel great Mahalia Jackson and, at the age of 18, she formed the Meditation Singers and became the first performer to take gospel music to the casinos of Las Vegas. Her TV. Bea was in her mid-20s when she met him in Texas in 1954, and she was doing well in her gospel music career. Death of Nellie Early. Della Reese received a diploma from Cass Technical High School in Detroit. Della Reese was a favorite singer of mine and then as a guest on the Johnny Carson show I thought she was legendary. Just before her death, Parks guest-starred with her on Touched by an Angel (1994). Her. Mobile Metropolitan Area. Mrs. She was born Delloreese Patricia Early on July 6, 1931, in Detroit. John M. Associated Press. Menu. The late AP Entertainment Writer Bob Thomas contributed. Labor of Love: Directed by Jim Johnston. Find out more here. They had ongoing conversations," said. Roma Downey. She touches upon her first appearances on television, notably on The Ed. Filed Under: Entertainment , TV , Music , Della Reese , Cause of Death , cbsAt first, Della thought it was another one of Redd’s pranks until she quickly realized it wasn’t when Foxx told her to “Go call my wife. Douglas C. With Della Reese, Rue McClanahan, John Beasley, Earle Hyman. Spouse: Franklin Lett (m. 1958). She was 86. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama "Touched by an. Wade in the Water. Della Reese who enjoyed dual careers, first as a jazz and pop singer and later as a TV star on CBS' Touched By An Angel, has died at age 86. Actress and singer Della Reese died on Monday at the age of 86. Franklin Lett was the third husband of the amazing Della Reese. Pizac/AP. Available for both RF and RM licensing. Reese and her husband Franklin Lett. Her TV. Its very seldom you get paid for doing what you love and telling the truth at the same time. Delloreese Patricia Early (July 6, 1931 – November 19, 2017), known professionally as Della Reese, was an American jazz and gospel singer, actress, and ordained minister whose career spanned seven decades. “I tied a ribbon around my husband’s neck and delivered him instead of the money. They met in a hotel and started dating after a few meetings. Vermont Taliaferro (former spouse) Year of Birth: 1912. They were divorced in 1958. She also played the leading role of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in the Emmy award-winning NBC mini-series A Woman Named Jackie. “Her husband had to pick her up off the groundDella reese Born in michigan 1931, Della reese began singing and performing on television variety shows in 1950’s. Submit an Obituary. Search by Name. “On behalf of her husband, Franklin Lett. Della Reese, a performer and pastor best known for her starring role on the CBS spiritual drama Touched by an Angel, has died at 86. He met Aretha after being introduced by singer Della Reese at the Twenty Grand Club in Detroit. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama "Touched by an. Adelle M. The singer and actress known for her many roles in television series and films. Downey and her husband, television producer Mark Burnett, (“Survivor” and. Who Is Della Reese's Husband? Her husband is Franklin Lett (12 January 1983 - 19 November 2017) ( her death) ( 3 children), Leroy Gray (28 December 1959 - 1961) (. Age (2022) Update Soon. He later tied the knot with Charles, but their. "He's been great," Burke told Eating. Barbara Hale. (RNS) — Della Reese, a onetime gospel singer and groundbreaking African-American talk show host later known for her lead role in the TV series “Touched by an Angel,” has. Della Reese sings during the Detroit 300 festival on July 20, 2001 in Detroit. Delloreese Patricia Early (July 6, 1931 – November 19, 2017), known professionally as Della Reese, was an American jazz and gospel singer, actress, and ordained minister whose career spanned seven decades. Hale intended to major in art and drawing but to work her way through The Chicago Academy of Fine Arts, she began her professional career as a model for a comic strip called "Ramblin' Bill. Born in Northern Ireland, she was classically trained in London. She leaves behind her third husband, to whom she got married in 1983, and their children. These scans come from my rather large magazine collection. com, Derrick Salters/WENN. News of Della Reese's death was shared by her former Touched by an Angel co-star Roma Downey, with full consent from her family and husband Franklin Lett. “On behalf of her husband, Franklin Lett, and all her friends and family, I share with you the news that. Touched by an Angel 's Roma Downey and Della Reese weren't just co-stars, but they also grew to become close personal friends, developing a relationship that extended beyond the life of the show. About; Contact; Help; Careers; Della Reese Obituary. Reese was not the only child of her parents; however, she grew up alone as none of her siblings lived with them. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama "Touched by an. 86 year old della reese is still doing her thing, della is also having a sad life behind doors. A show about two angels riding around in a Cadillac. Associated Press. Reese was not the only child of her parents; however, she grew up alone as none of her siblings lived with them. Reese is survived by her husband and three children. She was also a. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama "Touched by an. While the exact number of Franklin Lett’s net worth is unknown, you can learn how he met his wife. Della Reese did it all:. Roma Downey. California, where she founded a Christian New Thought church with her husband, and works as a minister. -- Della Reese, best known recently for her role as Tess on the hit TV series "Touched by an Angel," died Sunday, her family confirmed for ABC News. Della Reese, who segued from pop and jazz singing stardom in the ‘50s and ‘60s to a long career as a popular TV actress on “ Touched by an Angel ” and other shows, died Sunday night at her. The show lost its footing - to viewers at home it looked like Victoria Royal had been yelling. They had ongoing conversations. - IMDb Mini Biography By: Stacey Sanders<[email protected] on November 25, 2017 08:55AM EST. Della Reese was also an accomplished gospel singer, having been discovered by Mahalia Jackson when she was just 13 years old, and went on to become an ordained minister in the 1980s. Reese, in fact, was godmother to Downey's daughter, Reilly Marie, as noted by E! News. Mobile Metropolitan Area. Ilya S. Della and Roma, who was joined by husband Mark Burnett and pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church were all there to attend Roma's being honored with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on August. Reese is survived her husband Franklin Lett and children James, Franklin, and Dominque. She has a strong, outgoing personality and an independent spirit. Instead of filling my house with old moldy magazines, I scanned them (in most. "On behalf of her husband, Franklin Lett, and all her friends and family, I share with you the news that our beloved Della Reese has passed away peacefully at her California home last evening. 1 years each. For nine seasons, Downey played Monica the angel in the CBS television series Touched by an Angel. We invite you to share condolences for Della Reese in our Guest Book . McRaney even helped his wife while she was dealing with a frustrating weight gain and battle with Type 2 Diabetes during the last season of Designing Women. Della Reese provided an interesting and entertaining interview in 1964 and prepared me for the change in direction her career would make a few years later. As a teenager, she toured with gospel great Mahalia Jackson and, at the age of 18, she formed the Meditation Singers and became the first performer to take gospel music to the casinos of Las Vegas. 11, 1991. Della Reese – Don’t You Know? (“Puccini”) Posted on December 16, 2014 by admin. Actress Della Reese and her husband Franklin Lett Jr. File – Actors Della Reese, left, and Roma Downey, look on as Downey’s husband, television producer Mark Burnett, is honored. [Della Reese] first met my husband,” the actress recalled,. He is a producer and executive, known for The Moving of Sophia Myles (2000), Anya's Bell (1999) and The Secret Path (1999). Chico and the Man Della Rogers (1976-78) Charlie & Co. 2 points and 15. Services for Della Reese, 68, of Ralls will be at 2 p. We love you," the emotional statement concluded. Della Reese, the actress who found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama "Touched by an Angel," has died at age 86. Della Reese, who segued from pop and jazz singing stardom in the ‘50s and ‘60s to a long career as a popular TV actress on “ Touched by an Angel ” and other shows, died Sunday night at her. “On behalf of her husband, Franklin Lett, and all. " Published: Nov 20, 2017. net Family Spouses Franklin Lett (January. The legendary singer was only married twice, his first marriage lasting only one year. Genealogy for Nellie Early (Mitchelle) (1885 - 1949) family tree on Geni, with over 240 million profiles of ancestors and living relatives. Reese’s co-star on the series, Roma Downey, said in a statement that the actress died peacefully Sunday evening in her home in the Los Angeles area. She earned the cash being a professional Actress, Writer, Music Department. 1 years each. (Photo: YouTube). Reese is survived by her husband, Franklin Lett, and three children. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama "Touched by an. On a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Burnett, 46, and Downey, 47, said their “I dos” in a ceremony officiated by Downey’s Angel costar, Della Reese, 75, who is an ordained minister. Singer, actress and spiritual leader Della Reese died. Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama “Touched by an Angel,” has d…Della Reese died on Nov. Heaven has a brand new angel Della today 🕊🕊🕊On behalf of her husband, Franklin Lett, and all her friends and family, I share with you the news that our beloved Della Reese. (1985 – 1986) Her education: Wayne State. LOS ANGELES — Della Reese, best known for her work on "Touched by an Angel," has died at age 86. Della Reese is located in the USA. Reese is survived by her third husband, Franklin Lett, whom she marred in 1983, and their three children. She began her long career as a singer, scoring a hit with her 1959 single "Don't You Know?". "Her signature television role came late. Della Reese was a favorite singer of mine and then as a guest on the Johnny Carson show I thought she was legendary. Her three sons were Franklin, James, and Dominique, and her daughter was Deloreese. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama "Touched by an. “On behalf of her husband, Franklin Lett. Learn about Della Reese's net worth, height, husband, boyfriend & kids. November 20, 2017 1:50pm. Reese is survived by her husband. Barbara Hale. Reese is survived by her husband, film. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama "Touched by an. (LIONEL HAHN) LOS ANGELES (AP) – Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama “Touched by an Angel,” has died at age 86. Deloreese Daniels Owens, the daughter she adopted from her half-brother and his wife when the child was 2, died in March 2002 at age 41. The story consist of a neglected young white girl, from a family who's patriarch grandpa Foley mistreats her and tries to force her into prostitution, and into hustling soldiers for money. Photfest. At the start of Aretha Franklin's career, she was managed by her first husband Ted White, who she was married to for the majority of the 1960s. Della Reese, the big-voiced songstress who eventually launched a successful acting career in shows like "Touched by an Angel," died Sunday. March 21, 1949. On behalf of her husband, Franklin Lett, and all her. Find. ”. Known as the “King of the Party Records. Della Reese, Natalie Cole, Maya Angelou, and Roma Downey. She was 86. Della Reese’s cause of death is still unknown however, she was diabetic and some are wondering if that was a factor. From the 1962 album “The Classic Della”, originally released as a single in 1959. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama "Touched by an. They married on April 5, 1955, in a junk-filled back room in. Liam Mathews Nov. After acclaimed actress and singer Della Reese died on November 19, 2017, she and her good friend comedian Redd Foxx are now probably laughing and joking in spirit together. . “On behalf of her husband, Franklin Lett. The most supply of cash for Della Reese is Actress, Writer,. He is a producer and executive, known for The Moving of Sophia Myles (2000), Anya's Bell (1999) and The Secret Path (1999). Della is survived by three children, James Reese, Franklin Reese, and Dominique Reese, and her husband, Franklin. Della Reese passed away on November 19, 2017 at the age of 86. At the hospital, where Della, the. About; Contact; Help; Careers;Della Reese Obituary. Touched by an Angel star Delloreese Patricia Early "Della" Reese has earned her wings. The Reverend Dr. Della Reese, who rose to fame as a jazz singer and later found television stardom on the drama “Touched by an Angel,” has died, it was announced Monday. ORG. 19, at her home in Encino, California. 1983), Leroy Gray (m. 14 Copy quote. Della Reese. News of Della Reese's death was shared by her former Touched by an Angel co-star Roma Downey, with full consent from her family and husband Franklin Lett. Compare DNA and explore genealogy for Della Reese born 1882 Texas, United States including ancestors + DNA connections + more in the free family tree community. Actress and gospel singer Della Reese, best known for her role in the "Touched By An Angel" television series, has died at the age of 86 at her home in California, her family said on Monday. 19, 2017, her husband, Franklin Lett, and her family said in a statement. Aside from her children with Franklin Lett, she also adopted two children: Deloreese Daniels Owens, who reportedly passed. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama "Touched by an. She was in three celebrity relationships averaging approximately 14. Attend "An Evening with Reverend Della Reese" at Borders Bookstore May 5, 2001 in Los Angeles,. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama "Touched by an Angel," h Menu. Detroit native Della Reese, who enjoyed dual careers as a singer and later as a TV star on the CBS hit "Touched By An Angel," has died at age 86. Her sister Holly comes for the ceremony. She was 86. 1959; div. She sang in the choir at her church, the New BethelDella Reese is an American singer, actress and ordained minister. Della Reese. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama "Touched by an Angel," h Menu. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama "Touched by an. Dominique Reese, Franklin Reese, and James Reese are her three sons. After just a few weeks of dating, the couple got married while touring Ohio in 1961, when Franklin was 18 and White was 30. Della Reese, who rose to fame as a jazz singer and later found television stardom on the drama “Touched by an Angel,” has died. Reese is survived by her husband, Franklin Lett, and three children. Obituaries Section. The 86-year old Ms. Roma Downey is an Emmy-nominated actress and producer who has been creating inspirational content for 25 years. Della Reese and her husband Franklin Lett Jr. Floyd Haddock officiating. The Reverend Dr. See moreReese had been married to three men throughout her lifetime and is survived by her current husband of over 30 years, Franklin Lett, Jr. Her reason of death was kept a secret from the general public. Published on November 20, 2017 12:40PM EST Della Reese, the vocal powerhouse who later starred as heaven-sent Tess on the television series Touched By an Angel, died Sunday evening at age 86. Of her death, co-star Roma Downey, who played Monica on the series, posted on Instagram, “Heaven has a brand new angel Della today. Douglas C. 1951, div. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama "Touched by an. Della Reese. Actress: Perry Mason. Lawrence Journal-World Homepage. 19. L. Della Reese Wiki, Biography, Age, Spouse, Height, Net Worth, Fast Facts. Della Reese Birthday, Real Name, Age, Weight, Height, Family, Facts, Death Cause, Dress Size, Contact Details, Spouse(Husband), Children, Bio & More. Della Reese, the singer and actress who became a household name while starring as a divine supervisor named Tess on CBS' 'Touched by An Angel,' has died at 86, her family and Roma Downey confirmed. LOS ANGELES: Actress and gospel singer Della Reese, best known for her role in the “Touched By An Angel” television series, has died at the age of 86 at her home. In a statement, the late actress' rep told E! News Monday. Della Reese says that she, Roma Downey and John Dye were very much “a family unit” during CBS’ long-running series Touched by an Angel. The Trigger: Directed by Peter H. "On behalf of her husband, Franklin. Following the death of her minister husband, Sophia Myles faces the future with fear and loathing. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama "Touched by an. She was known for her kindheartedness, motherly nature, and warmth. In. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama "Touched by an. Roma Downey, Reese's costar on Touched by an Angel, shared the news via her personal Instagram. Della Reese Bio, Net Worth, Death. Della Reese was born in Detroit, Michigan. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama "Touched by an. . She had Type-2 diabetes. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama "Touched by an. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama "Touched by an. He was previously married to Della Reese. Spouse: Della Reese was married to Franklin Lett, Jr. Heller/Getty Images. Reese is survived by her husband, Franklin Lett, and three children. Downey and her husband, television producer Mark Burnett, (“Survivor” and. surrounded by love” on Sunday, Nov. com. As a young girl, Ms. We hope you enjoy it! Della Reese’s full name is Delloreese Patricia Early and her nickname is Della Reese. Search by Name. The musician and actress star died on Nov. Published by The Republican on Nov. Tags :. In a video shared on Facebook in 2016, actress and singer Della Reese, discussed the events that occurred before her. The late AP Entertainment Writer Bob Thomas. Reese is survived by her husband, Franklin Lett, and three children. For almost a. "On behalf of her husband, Franklin Lett, and all her. Source: Deadline. Della Reese, known for her amazing career in singing and starring in the hit show Touched By An Angel has died at the age of 86 on Sunday, November 19, 2017. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama "Touched by an. 5 million. Della Reese, the gospel singer who later stared on the TV series Touched by an Angel, died at her home in California on Sunday, November 19. The legendary Della Reese is a multiple Grammy®, Emmy®, Golden Globe® nominee and seven-time NAACP Image® award winning actress and singer whose career spans over 60 years. Della Reese with her husband, Franklin Lett Jr. Producer: The Moving of Sophia Myles. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama "Touched by an. Singer Della Reese and actress Roma Downey attend The Salvation Army Sally Awards at the J. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama "Touched by an. "Heaven has a brand new angel Della today. Learn more about Franklin Lett’s biography with our Franklin Lett wiki below. Della Reese is survived by her children: Deloreese, James, Franklin, and Dominique, and also by her husband, Franklin Lett. Doing What You Love, Coincidence, Telling The Truth. She began her long career as a singer, scoring a hit with her 1959 single "Don't You Know?". Actress-minister Della Reese preaches prosperity — in the present. . He eventually married one of them after his first wife died, of course. From singing in her family’s bathroom to singing backup for Mahalia Jackson at the tender age of 13, Reese, who has. Franklin Lett was born on 20 November 1936 in the USA. Hale intended to major in art and drawing but to work her way through The Chicago Academy of Fine Arts, she began her professional career as a model for a comic strip called "Ramblin' Bill. Click the "All Sizes" button above (then click on "Original Size") to read an article or to see the image clearly. Roma Downey OBE (born 6 May 1960) is an Irish actress, producer and author. Della has three sons named Dominique Reese, Franklin Reese, and James Reese. Search by Name. Reese died at her home in Encino, California, according to her Chicago friend Shell Reyes, who said she designed the wedding rings worn by Ms. Della Reese is the daughter of Richard Thaddeus Early, who was a steelworker, and his wife, Nellie Mitchelle Early, who worked as a cook. In the late 1960s she hosted her own talk show, Della, which ran for 197 Della Reese sings during the Detroit 300 festival on July 20, 2001 in Detroit. July 6, 1931. Della Reese was an actress, singer and ordained minister, but she was also a beloved mother figure to costar and friend Roma Downey . Della Reese. With Roma Downey, Della Reese, John Dye, Ben Masters. The Big Bang. Della Reese, the singer and longtime star of "Touched By An Angel," passed away on Nov. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama "Touched by an. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama "Touched by an. Touched by an Angel star and. Reese is survived by her husband of 34 years. She leaves behind her husband, Franklin Lett, a film producer and concert promoter, Variety reported. She reprised the role in 30 Perry Mason made-for. Delloreese Patricia Early , known professionally as Della Reese, was an American jazz and gospel singer, actress, and ordained minister whose career spanned seven decades. Della Reese, a performer and pastor best known for her starring role on the CBS spiritual drama Touched by an Angel, has died at 86. Reese was also an ordained minister who led a congregation in Los Angeles. on July 6, 1931, to Richard Thaddeus Early, a steelworker by profession, and Nellie, a professional cook. Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan, United States. She was suffering from Type. Death - When Did Della Reese Die? Della Reese died on November 19, 2017, at her residence in Los Angeles, California. Della Reese, the vocal powerhouse who later starred as heaven-sent Tess on the television series Touched By an Angel, died Sunday evening at age 86. “Heck, no!” said Reese. As noted, Mr. The other woman goes into labor during flight. She began her long career as a singer,. Vermont Taliaferro (former spouse) Year of Birth: 1912. Reese is survived by her husband, Franklin Lett, and three children. Birth of Della Reese. The actress and gospel-influenced singer found her greatest. I recently had the opportunity to talk to Della Reese, who is guest starring as visiting supervisor Cora Brandt, on “ Signed, Sealed, Delivered ” (Sundays, 8/7c, Hallmark Channel). 19 at the age of 86. In later years, she was frequently billed as Reverend Doctor Della Reese Lett. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama "Touched by an. Della Reese is American by birth. Reese's four marriages included a brief, annulled union with Mercer Ellington, son of jazz great Duke Ellington. A rep for Reese's Touched by an Angel co-star Roma Downey confirmed the sad news. Find. "On behalf of her husband, Franklin Lett, and all her friends and family, I share with you the news that our beloved Della Reese has passed away peacefully at her California home last evening. Della Reese, the pop and jazz singing powerhouse who later starred as an angel sent by heaven on the television series “Touched By an Angel,” died Sunday evening. Music . Vermont Taliaferro in July 1951, Leroy Gray on December 28, 1959, and Franklin Lett on January 12, 1983 were her husbands. Musician and Touched by an Angel star Della Reese died on Sunday, at the age of 86. By. Lesser/Getty Images) Della Reese Wiki, Biography, Age, Spouse, Height, Net Worth, Fast Facts by Anne Tyler Delloreese Patricia Early (July 6, 1931 – November 19, 2017), known professionally as Della Reese , was an American jazz and gospel singer, actress, and ordained minister whose career spanned seven decades. Della Reese was a favorite singer of mine and then as a guest on the Johnny Carson show I thought she was legendary. We invite you to share condolences for Della Reese in our Guest Book . She is survived by her husband Franklin Lett.