Della Reese, known to the world for her performance as Tess on Touched by an Angel, has passed away. The 86-year-old actress/R & B singer passed away at her California home among her loved ones, and it was reportedly a peaceful demise. The news has been confirmed through a statement by her former co-star Roma Downey. This is what Downey stated:
“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 surrounded by love. She was an incredible wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and pastor, as well as an award-winning actress and singer. Through her life and work, she touched and inspired the lives of millions of people. She was a mother to me, and I had the privilege of working with her side by side for so many years on Touched By an Angel. I know heaven has a brand new angel this day. Della Reese will be forever in our hearts. Rest in peace, sweet angel. We love you.”
Born as Delloreese Patricia in the early hours of July 6, 1931, in Detroit, Michigan, she started as an entertainer early, and she was singing as part of her church choir when she was only 6. At 13, she was roped in to perform with the gospel group of Mahalia Jackson, and she went on a tour prior to ultimately forming her own group called The Meditation Singers. By late 1940s she adopted the name Della Reese and signed a record deal with Jubilee Records in 1953 and released six full-length albums.
Her song And That Reminds Me became a top 20 hit in 1957, and it propelled her to stardom. In the late 1960s, she became interested in acting, and her first identifiable role was in a 1968 episode of The Mod Squad. Besides her work as Tess in Touched By An Angel, she is also renowned for her roles in 1989’s Harlem Nights, 1996’s A Thin Line Between Love And Hate and 2005’s Beauty Shop. This is what CBS, the network that aired Touched By An Angel from 1994 to 2003 had to say:
“We’re deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Della Reese. She was a multi-talented, award-winning performer who shined brightly on sound stages and in concert halls. For nine years, we were privileged to have Della as part of the CBS family when she delivered encouragement and optimism to millions of viewers as Tess on Touched By an Angel. We will forever cherish her warm embraces and generosity of spirit. She will be greatly missed. Another angel has gotten her wings.”
Della Reese’s last television appearance was during an episode of Bates Motel, earlier this year. She is survived by her children James, Franklin and Dominique and also her husband, Franklin Lett. RIP, Della Reese.
