Della Reese Net Worth At Death

Introduction

Della Reese, born Delloreese Patricia Early, was an American jazz and gospel singer, actress, and ordained minister whose career spanned six decades. She is best known for her role in the television series “Touched by an Angel,” where she played the leading role of Tess. Reese’s career in the entertainment industry was marked by numerous achievements, which contributed significantly to her net worth at the time of her death.

Attribute Detail
Estimated Net Worth: $3 million
Age: 86
Date of Birth: July 6, 1931
Birth Country: United States
Source of Wealth: Singer, Actress, Minister

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Della Reese was born in Detroit, Michigan, and began singing at an early age in her local church. Her talent was evident, and by the age of 13, she was touring with gospel great Mahalia Jackson. In the 1950s, she signed a recording contract with Jubilee Records, marking the beginning of her professional singing career.

Music Career

Reese’s music career was a significant contributor to her net worth. She had several hit songs throughout the 1950s and 1960s, including “And That Reminds Me,” which reached number 12 on the pop chart, and “Don’t You Know?” which reached number 2. Her music career spanned various genres, including jazz, pop, and gospel, and she released multiple albums over the years.

Transition to Television

In the late 1960s, Reese began to transition from music to acting. She made appearances on several television shows, including “The Mod Squad,” “Police Woman,” and “McCloud.” Her acting career took off in the 1970s when she landed a regular role on the television show “Chico and the Man.”

“Touched by an Angel”

Reese’s most notable role was in the television series “Touched by an Angel,” which aired from 1994 to 2003. She played the character Tess, a wise and no-nonsense angel who guides other angels on their missions to help people on Earth. The show was a hit, and Reese’s performance was widely praised. Her role in “Touched by an Angel” significantly increased her net worth.

Other Acting Roles

Aside from “Touched by an Angel,” Reese appeared in numerous other television shows and films. She had roles in “The Royal Family,” “Harlem Nights,” and “A Thin Line Between Love and Hate,” among others. Each of these roles contributed to her overall net worth.

Ministry

In addition to her entertainment career, Reese was an ordained minister. She founded the Understanding Principles for Better Living Church in Los Angeles, where she served as the senior minister. Her work in the ministry was another source of income, adding to her net worth.

Endorsements and Other Ventures

Reese also earned money from endorsements and other ventures. She was a spokesperson for the American Diabetes Association, having been diagnosed with the disease herself. Additionally, she had a line of wigs and beauty products, further increasing her net worth.

Personal Life and Philanthropy

Reese was married three times and had four children. She was known for her philanthropic efforts, particularly in the areas of diabetes awareness and education. She used her platform to raise awareness about the disease and to advocate for better treatment options.

Net Worth at Death

At the time of her death in 2017, Della Reese’s estimated net worth was $3 million. This wealth was accumulated through her successful careers in music, acting, and ministry, as well as her various endorsements and business ventures.

Conclusion

Della Reese was a multi-talented individual whose career spanned over six decades. She achieved success in music, acting, and ministry, and used her platform to advocate for causes close to her heart. Her diverse career and various ventures contributed to her net worth of $3 million at the time of her death. Reese’s legacy continues to live on through her music, her performances, and her contributions to her community.

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