Della Reese Net Worth

Net Worth: $8 million

Due to her successful career as a singer, actress, and minister, Della Reese had a net worth of $8 million at the time of her death in 2017.

Highlights

– Della Reese had a career spanning seven decades, making her a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.

– She started her career as a recording artist in the 1950s and achieved success with hit songs such as “And That Reminds Me” and “Don’t You Know?”

– Reese transitioned to television and hosted her own talk show, “Della.”

– She acted in films like “Harlem Nights” and “Expecting Mary,” and played the main role of Tess on the popular CBS television series “Touched by an Angel.”

Early Life

Della Reese, born as Delloreese Early on July 6, 1931, in the Black Bottom neighborhood of Detroit, Michigan, had humble beginnings. Her parents were Nellie, a cook, and Richard, a steelworker. Reese discovered her passion for singing at a young age and began performing in church. She later joined Mahalia Jackson’s gospel group and attended Cass Technical High School while touring with Jackson. Reese’s determination led her to become the first in her family to earn a high school degree, graduating in 1947. However, she had to drop out of Wayne State University to support her family.

Career

Reese’s music career took off in the 1940s when she joined Mahalia Jackson’s gospel group and won a contest that gave her the opportunity to perform at Detroit’s Flame Show Bar. She eventually signed with Jubilee Records in 1953 and achieved chart success with songs like “And That Reminds Me” and “Don’t You Know?” Throughout the 1960s, Reese released multiple albums and gained international recognition.

In the late 1960s, she made a transition to television and hosted her own talk show, “Della.” She also appeared in various TV shows and films, including the popular series “Touched by an Angel,” where she played the role of Tess. Reese received numerous accolades for her role on the show and gained a significant fan base.

Personal Life

Reese married four times during her lifetime. Her first husband was Vermont Taliaferro, with whom she had one child. After their divorce, she married Leroy Gray, an accountant, but their marriage ended in separation. Reese then married musician and composer Mercer Ellington, but their marriage was annulled. Her fourth and final husband was Franklin Lett Jr., whom she married in 1983. Reese had a total of four children from her marriages.

Net Worth Over Time

Throughout her career, Reese’s net worth grew steadily, reaching $8 million at the time of her death. Her income came from various sources, including music sales, acting roles, and hosting her own TV show. Additionally, Reese earned money from her ministry work as a senior minister at her church Understanding Principles for Better Living.

Components of Net Worth

The components of Della Reese’s net worth include her earnings from record sales, concert tours, TV appearances, film roles, and her ministry work. As a successful recording artist and actress, Reese had lucrative contracts and royalties from her music albums and TV shows. Her role as Tess in “Touched by an Angel” earned her a significant income, and she also made money through her ministry and public speaking engagements.

In conclusion, Della Reese had a successful and varied career as a singer, actress, and minister. Her net worth of $8 million reflects her achievements and the financial success she attained throughout her lifetime. Reese’s talent and dedication to her craft paved the way for her success, making her a respected figure in the entertainment industry.

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