Della Reese, the big-voiced songstress who eventually launched a successful acting career in shows like “Touched By an Angel,” died Sunday night at her home in California
She was aged 86.
Reese was mourned in a touching tribute by her “Angel” co-star Roma Downey, who said
“Through her life and work she touched and inspired the lives of millions of people. 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,” she said.
Throughout her long career, Reese proved indomitable in the face of serious health crises. In 1979, she suffered a brain aneurysm during a taping of “The Tonight Show,” and weathered two brain surgeries. She collapsed on the set of “Touched by an Angel” in 2002, and later announced she suffered from Type 2 diabetes.
Reese’s four marriages included a brief, annulled union with Mercer Ellington, son of jazz great Duke Ellington. She is survived by her husband, Franklin Lett, a film producer and concert promoter.
May her soul rest in peace.
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