Reese is survived by her husband, Franklin Lett. Hunt. The Reverend Dr. As noted, Mr. 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 is survived by her husband Franklin Lett. Della Reese, the singer and longtime star of "Touched By An Angel," passed away 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. The late AP Entertainment Writer Bob Thomas contributed. Operation Smile. Della Reese and her husband Franklin Lett arrive at the Africa Channel's Night of Tribute Awards Show at the Nate Holden Performing. The late AP Entertainment Writer Bob Thomas. Reese is survived by her husband, Franklin. 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. Available for both RF and RM licensing. 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. Just before her death, Parks guest-starred with her on Touched by an Angel (1994). Filed Under: Entertainment , TV , Music , Della Reese , Cause of Death , cbs According to Della, Redd engaged in a heated discussion with the producer, during which he fell to the floor. She sang in the choir at her church, the New BethelDella Reese is an American singer, actress and ordained minister. She was 86 years old. Atwell Children: Charles Edward Birth: 23 Jun 1907 Kentucky, USA Death: 23 Oct 1976 Bowling Green, Warren, Kentucky,. LOS ANGELES — Della Reese, best known for her work on "Touched by an Angel," has died at age 86. Actress Della Reese and her husband Franklin Lett Jr. In the. She is best known for her role as Tess on the television series Touched by an Angel. 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. She began her long career as a singer, scoring a hit with her 1959 single "Don't You Know?". Della Beatrice Howard Robinson with her former husband and sons. The legendary singer was only married twice, his first marriage lasting only one year. 2 points and 15. For nine years, viewers tuned in to watch a pair of angels help mere humans through hard times in their lives on Touched by an Angel, which ran from 1994 to 2003. Unknown song "Albert" (Tone Loc) is singing in his car. She earned the cash being a professional Actress, Writer, Music Department. Her three marriages averaged 14. Spouse: Franklin Lett (m. Search by Name. W. Reese’s four marriages included a brief, annulled union with Mercer Ellington, son of jazz great Duke Ellington. Reese, who was born in Detroit, was best known for her work on the long-running series “Touched by an Angel. But that family suffered a heavy loss with Dye’s. Rest In Peace, sweet angel. Born: 6-Jul-1931 Birthplace: Detroit, MI. 16 Copy quote. 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. 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) (. Live on October 1, 2015 in Los Angeles,. Della Reese, the music legend and star of Touched by an Angel, has died aged 86. Della Reese is located in the USA. 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. The most popular Ray Charles’s wife is Della Robinson, as they were married for 22 years. 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. Franklin Lett was born on 20 November 1936 in the USA. He portrayed Fred. Della immediately sprung into action and told everyone to call the. Della Reese, the singer and actress who starred on television's "Touched by an Angel," has died at age 86, family says. Spouse: Della Reese was married to Franklin Lett, Jr. Lawyer-turned-writer Gardner had employed three sisters to work for him as his secretaries. Reese is survived by her husband and three children. All three of her sons are with her fourth husband, Franklin Lett Jr. 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. Reese is survived by her husband, Franklin. attend a gala in 2004. At 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. CNN —. Article on actress-singer Della Reese, whose life is subject of TV program Della Reese: Outspoken Angel on A&E's Biography series; photos (M). Della began singing in her hometown of Detroit when she was 6 years old. She was a vocalist with the Erskine. She had Type-2 diabetes. 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. Associated Press. See all Della Reese's marriages, divorces, hookups, break ups, affairs, and dating relationships plus celebrity photos, latest Della Reese news, gossip, and biography. Now, fans are wondering about her life and Della Reese‘s husband. Ray Charles Robinson was born on 23 September 1930 in Albany,. Reese is survived by her husband, Franklin Lett, and three children. P. The actress “passed away peacefully at her California home surrounded by love” on Sunday, her husband, Franklin Lett, and her family said in a statement. The “Touched by an Angel” cast, starring Della Reese, Roma Downey, John Dye and Valerie Bertinelli. Obituaries Section. Actress and singer Della Reese died on Monday at the age of 86. Della Reese (1882) Della. Video Rating: 4 / 5. 19, 2017. 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. Actress: Touched by an Angel. Reese is survived her husband Franklin Lett and children James, Franklin, and Dominque. She lived in Los Angeles with her husband, producer Franklin 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 passed away in 2017, but before her death, the actress opened up about her friend Redd Foxx's final moments. Producer: The Moving of Sophia Myles. When did Della Reese die? Della Reese died at her home in Los Angeles, California, on November 19, 2017. Franklin Lett was born on 20 November 1936 in the USA. Her costar Roma Downey confirmed the news to PEOPLE magazine: “On behalf of her husband. The Reichen Show (2005–2006) Reichen welcomes guests actress Della Reese, actor/singer John Schneider and singer LeAnn Rimes. Dec 20, 2003. 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. . Pizac/AP. Reese is survived by her husband, Franklin Lett, and three children. Della Reese was longtime friends with the late Rosa Parks, and attended her funeral on November 2, 2005. She leaves behind children Deloreese, James, Franklin, and Dominique, as well as husband Franklin Lett. Floyd Haddock officiating. Menu. Stammer. Watch on. Again in 1961 Della married her manager Mercer Ellington. Della Reese. Franklin Lett was born on 20 November 1936 in the USA. Published by The Republican on Nov. ORG. She also played the leading role of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in the Emmy award-winning NBC mini-series A Woman Named Jackie. Her reason of death was kept a secret from the general public. Find out more here. 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. John M. Downey and her husband, television producer Mark Burnett, (“Survivor” and. The beloved actress has passed away on Sunday evening, Nov. Even worse, Hall accused the 79- year-old actress – who’s an ordained. Barbara was born on 18 April 1922, as one of two children. In fact, three of them. She resists , and find the love and affection she didn't get at home in a black childless couple , excellently played by Ossie Davis, and Della Reese. The series followed Tess (Della Reese), Monica (Roma Downey), and. "Heaven has a brand new angel Della today. When did Della Reese die? Della Reese died at her home in Los Angeles, California, on November 19, 2017. Reese “passed away peacefully. Ilya S. Death of Nellie Early. She is survived by her children James, Franklin and Dominique, as well as husband. 1983), Leroy Gray (m. Heller/Getty Images. 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. - IMDb Mini Biography By: Stacey Sanders<tsanders@comsource. 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. Right now, we don't have much information about Della Reese Education Lifestyle. 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. Banks. net Family Spouses Franklin Lett (January 12, 1983 - November 19, 2017) (her death, 3 children) Leroy Gray (December 28, 1959 - 1961) (divorced) Vermont Taliaferro (July 1, 1951 - 1958) (divorced) Children Deloresse Daniels Della Reese, the husky-voiced singer and actress who spent almost a decade playing a down-to-earth heavenly messenger on the CBS series “Touched by an Angel” and became an ordained minister in. 1958). Della Reese is deceased. 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 Angel. 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. "Her signature television role came late. 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. 20, 2017. Vermont Taliaferro (former spouse) Year of Birth: 1912. Della Reese was born on July 6, 1931 (age 86). ,. Reese is survived by her husband, Franklin Lett, and three children. Reese is survived by her husband, Franklin 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. In a statement, the late actress' rep told E! News Monday, "The world has lost a huge talent. Reese, in fact, was godmother to Downey's daughter, Reilly Marie, as noted by E! News. She is remembered for her memorable jazz and gospel singing. Mrs. 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. [Della Reese] first met my husband,” the actress recalled,. 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. With Roma Downey, Della Reese, John Dye, Ben Masters. Franklin Lett. “I tied a ribbon around my husband’s neck and delivered him instead of the money. "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. on July 6, 1931, to Richard Thaddeus Early, a steelworker by profession, and Nellie, a professional cook. Spouse(s) Vermont Taliaferro. She has also appeared as a guest on several talk shows and as a panelDella Reese is an American singer, actress, and ordained minister. Della Reese, the music legend and star of Touched by an Angel, has died,. A. 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. Using a light-hearted, relatable cast, the show tackled plenty of issues that were happening around the world. 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. She reprised the role in 30 Perry Mason made-for-television movies (1985–1995). Full Real Name. 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. In the strip club (natch) "Gonna have a big old night tonight". She is survived by her children Dominique, Franklin, and James, as well as her beloved husband Franklin Lett. "On behalf of her husband, Franklin Lett, and all her friends and family, I. 5 million. In 1976, Reese landed the role of Delia Rogers on the popular sitcom, Chico and the Man. See all Della Reese's marriages, divorces, hookups, break ups, affairs, and dating relationships plus celebrity photos, latest Della Reese news, gossip, and biography. on July 6, 1931, to Richard Thaddeus Early, a steelworker by profession, and Nellie, a professional cook. Connie Wang. In a statement, the late actress' rep told E! News Monday. Like Perry Mason in the 2020 HBO revival, Gardner, too, was. Pizac/AP. Her TV. The actress "passed away. Her death was confirmed news by her manager, Lynda Bensky. California, where she founded a Christian New Thought church with her husband, and works as a minister. 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. She was born on July 6, 1931 at Detroit. With Della Reese, Rue McClanahan, John Beasley, Earle Hyman. Photfest. Della Reese was an American actress, singer and ordained minister. 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. She reprised the role in 30 Perry Mason made-for. Foxx gained success with his raunchy nightclub act before and during the civil rights movement. Marriot at L. Directed by: Mike Robe. In addition to her television work,. Della. Singer Della Reese Divorces Husband Vermont Taliaferro - Jet Magazine, April 3, 1958. After they got married, she adopted the stage name Pat Ferro for just about a week then introduced the name she used for the rest of her life. 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. She was 86. Della Reese: July 6, 1931 - November 19, 2017 . com. Savenok/Getty Images. Legendary actress Della Reese died Sunday, Page Six has confirmed. Submit an Obituary. Beauty Shop (2005) A determined hairstylist (Queen Latifah) competes with her former boss (Kevin Bacon) after opening her own business in Atlanta. While a cause of death wasn't disclosed. Della Reese was a favorite singer of mine and then as a guest on the Johnny Carson show I thought she was legendary. Franklin Lett Jr. 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, and all her. 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. “On behalf of her husband, Franklin Lett, and all her friends. Actress/singer Della Reese, best known for her starring turn on "Touched by an Angel" and her 1959 hit "Don't You Know," died on Sunday night (Nov. Della Reese, who started as 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. 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. She is survived by her husband Franklin Lett, a film producer and concert promoter, per Variety. 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. 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. Singer Della Reese and actress Roma Downey attend The Salvation Army Sally Awards at the J. Find a Grave Memorial ID: 27138269. 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. Reese seen attending the 2004 Trumpet Awards in Atlanta with her husband, Franklin Lett. ”'Touched By An Angel' Star Della Reese Has Died at Age 86 'Touched By An Angel' Star Della Reese Has Died at Age 86. 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. From 2011 to 2014, she was promoted from ordained minister to senior minister and founder of the Understanding Principles for Better Living Church, in Los. Ray Charles was her third husband and longest marriage of 22 years. Posted in Della Reese | Tagged Della, Don't, Know, Puccini, Reese | Leave a comment. She has performed on stage with the famed Abbey Theater and has appeared both on and off Broadway. Della Reese, a music legend known for her beloved character on "Touched by an Angel," has died at the age of 86. The star died at her California home on Sunday. (Erik S. 11, 1991. Released: 1998. Death - When. Her reason of death was kept a secret from the general public. Since her television acting debut in 1968 as a disco owner on The Mod Squad, Reese has continued appearing on the small screen, singing on many shows, including The Love Boat, The Great American Gospel Show, and the Grand Ol’ Opry. Producer: The Moving of Sophia Myles. Barbara Hale. Della Reese passed away in 2017, but before her death, the actress opened up about her friend Redd Foxx's final moments. " Barbara is best remembered as Della Street, long. For more than 30 years, singer and actress Della Reese and her husband, producer Franklin Lett, called this Bel-Air address home when they owned a mid-century home on the site. Her ex-husband began to abuse her physically whenever he was unhappy. Her cause of death was not released to the public. 1969. Lett was Mrs. The two friends were together on the set of a show before he died. Roma Downey’s Touched By An Angel co-star, the late Della Reese, was an ordained minister and officiated their wedding service. Advertisement. Her sister Holly comes for the ceremony. 1959–1961), Vermont. Mobile Metropolitan Area. 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. Della Reese. Reese, who starred. Ryan Parker, Mike Barnes, Desire Thompson. Musician and Touched by an Angel star Della Reese died on Sunday, at the age of 86. In her two-hour interview, Della Reese (1931-2017) speaks about her start as a singer at age thirteen touring with gospel legend Mahalia Jackson. 3; including William Katt. Della Reese was an actress, singer and ordained minister, but she was also a beloved mother figure to costar and friend Roma Downey . She was also a. 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. (The death of Redd Foxx on the set) Redd's death was written into the show, while Jackee ( 227) joined the series as Victoria's half-sister who comes to help out after the funeral. Reese’s co-star on. ,. 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. Shadow and Act Staff. Of her death, co-star Roma Downey, who played Monica on the series, posted on Instagram, “Heaven has a brand new angel Della today. net Family Spouses Franklin Lett (January. She began her long career as a singer, scoring a hit with her 1959 single "Don't You Know?". 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. 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. A show about two angels riding around in a Cadillac. 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. Obituaries Section. “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. . Della Reese on Redd Foxx's death - EMMYTVLEGENDS. Labor of Love: Directed by Jim Johnston. 1 years each. 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. ”. 3. 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 home 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. We love you," the emotional statement concluded. From 1952 to 1958, they were married for six years. These scans come from my rather large magazine collection. Find the perfect della reese stock photo, image, vector, illustration or 360 image. She also played the leading role of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in the Emmy award-winning NBC mini-series A Woman Named Jackie. He is a producer and executive, known for The Moving of Sophia Myles (2000), Anya's Bell (1999) and The Secret Path (1999). 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. 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. The 20-year-old All-American transferred to LSU in the offseason following two seasons at. Share. Reese is survived by her husband, Franklin Lett, and three children. Known as the “King of the Party Records. 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. m. But the public didn't know what stress Foxx was under during the show until Reese did a candid interview with Emmy TV Legends. “On behalf of her husband, Franklin Lett. [spouse(s) unknown] [children unknown] Died [date unknown] [location unknown]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 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. Los Angeles Times. 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. 19, at her home in Encino, California. Della Reese was born in Detroit, Michigan. The ex-couple got married in 1955 and divorced in 1976. Published on November 20, 2017 12:40PM EST Della Reese, the vocal powerhouse who later starred as heaven-sent Tess on the television. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright. The Plain Dealer Homepage. 5 votes. She touches upon her first appearances on television, notably on The Ed. FayesVision/WENN. She has a strong, outgoing personality and an independent spirit. 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. 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,. Using a light-hearted, relatable cast, the show tackled plenty of issues that were happening around the world. 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. The late AP Entertainment Writer Bob Thomas contributed. . 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's most recent television appearance was in an episode of Bates Motel, which aired earlier this year. Adelle M. 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. Aunt Rachel (1986) The. 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. 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. Born Delloreese Patricia Early, the star is survived by her husband and four. Music legend and actress Della Reese passed away at the age of 86 in her home in Encino, Calif. 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. Della Reese. Reese is survived by her husband, Franklin Lett, and three children. Delloreese Patricia Early (July 6, 1931 – November 19, 2017), known professionally as. Reese and her husband Franklin Lett. Leroy Gray (former spouse) Apr 20, 2020 05:30 A. She starred in the religious television drama Touched by an Angel from 1994 to 2003, in which she played the leading role of Tess. She began her long career as a singer, scoring a hit with her 1959 single "Don't You Know?". Mom, Mother, Ongoing. DELLA BEATRICE HOWARD ROBINSON is famous for being the ex-wife of Ray Charles. "My mother was a personal friend of God's. 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.