Ever wondered about Della Reese net worth? You’re in the right spot! I’m RachelParris, and today, we’re diving into the financial legacy of this iconic singer and actress.
We’ll look at her earnings, investments, and the impact she left on the entertainment industry.
Contents
- 1 Quick Facts
- 2 What is the Net Worth of Della Reese in 2024?
- 3 Della Reese Finance Overview
- 4 Social Media Accounts
- 5 FAQs about Della Reese
- 5.1 What is Della Reese best known for?
- 5.2 When and where was Della Reese born?
- 5.3 What were some of Della’s notable achievements in music?
- 5.4 Did Della receive any awards or honors?
- 5.5 Was Della involved in any other professions besides singing and acting?
- 5.6 How did Della contribute to the fight against diabetes?
- 5.7 What significant TV shows and movies did Della Reese appear in?
- 5.8 What was Della’s role in breaking barriers in television?
- 5.9 Did Della have any notable collaborations or influences in music?
- 5.10 How did Della’s early life and education shape her career?
- 6 Conclusion
Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Delloreese Patricia Early |
| Popular Name | Della Reese |
| Gender | Female |
| Birth Date | July 6, 1931 |
| Age | 86 (at time of death) |
| Parents | Richard Thaddeus Early, Nellie Mitchelle |
| Siblings | N/A |
| Birthplace | Black Bottom, Detroit |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Education | Wayne State University, Cass Technical High School |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Sexual Orientation | Straight |
| Husband/Spouse | Franklin Lett (m. 1983–2017), Leroy Gray (m. 1959–1961), Vermont Taliaferro (m. 1951–1958) |
| Children | Deloreese Daniels, James Lett, Dominique Reese, Franklin Reese |
| Dating | N/A |
| Net Worth | $8 million |
| Source of Wealth | Music, Acting, Ministry |
| Height | 5 ft 2 in |
What is the Net Worth of Della Reese in 2024?
As of 2024, Della Reese’s net worth stands at an estimated $8 million. This figure is a testament to her prolific career spanning seven decades.
In comparison, Valerie Bertinelli boasts a net worth of $20 million, while Roma Downey‘s wealth reaches an impressive $100 million.
Reese’s financial success, although not as high as some of her peers, reflects her significant contributions to music, television, and ministry.
Della Reese Finance Overview
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Della Reese was born Delloreese Patricia Early on July 6, 1931, in Detroit, Michigan. She grew up in a tough neighborhood but found solace in singing at her local church.
By the age of 13, she was touring with Mahalia Jackson’s gospel group, which set the stage for her illustrious career.
Musical Career
Reese’s musical journey took off in the 1950s when she signed with Jubilee Records. Her 1957 hit And That Reminds Me brought her into the limelight, followed by the 1959 classic Don’t You Know? These songs cemented her place in the music industry.
Reese transitioned from gospel to jazz and pop, releasing numerous albums and performing in Las Vegas for nine years. Her diverse musical talent helped her build a substantial portion of her net worth.
Transition to Television and Film
In the late 1960s, she transitioned to television. She hosted her own talk show, Della, and made numerous guest appearances on popular shows like The Mod Squad and The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.
Her role as Tess in Touched by an Angel became iconic, showcasing her acting prowess and significantly boosting her financial profile. This role, in particular, earned her several awards and nominations, solidifying her legacy in television history.
Real Estate Investments and Financial Ventures
Reese’s real estate ventures were a significant part of her financial strategy. She lived in a sprawling Bel-Air mansion for over 30 years, expanding it significantly before selling it for $7.5 million in 2014. This savvy investment decision played a crucial role in her financial stability.
After selling her Bel-Air home, she purchased a house in Encino, California, for $1.79 million, which was later put on the market for $1.9 million after her passing.
Personal Life and Marriages
Della’s personal life was as vibrant as her career. She married Franklin Lett Jr. in 1983, and they remained together until her death. Her family life, including her four children, influenced her decisions and financial priorities.
Despite personal losses and health challenges, Reese managed to maintain her career and financial well-being.
Ministry and Community Involvement
In addition to her entertainment career, Reese was an ordained minister. She founded the Understanding Principles for Better Living church, contributing significantly to her community.
Her ministry work added another dimension to her legacy, blending her spiritual beliefs with her public persona.
Health Challenges and Final Years
She faced numerous health challenges, including type 2 diabetes and a near-fatal brain aneurysm in 1979. Despite these setbacks, she continued to work until her later years.
Her health issues did affect her ability to work, but they also highlighted her resilience and dedication to her career and community.
Social Media Accounts
- Instagram: N/A
- Facebook: N/A
- Twitter: N/A
- Youtube: N/A
FAQs about Della Reese
What is Della Reese best known for?
She is best known for her role as Tess on the television series Touched by an Angel, where she played a guiding angel for nine seasons.
When and where was Della Reese born?
She was born on July 6, 1931, in Detroit, Michigan.
What were some of Della’s notable achievements in music?
She was a successful jazz, gospel, and pop singer. She had several hits, including Don’t You Know? and released many albums such as And Now… Della (1959) and Special Delivery (1980).
Did Della receive any awards or honors?
Yes, she received multiple Grammy nominations and was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1994 for her contributions to television.
Was Della involved in any other professions besides singing and acting?
Besides her entertainment career, she was an ordained minister and founded the Understanding Principles for Better Living Church in Los Angeles.
How did Della contribute to the fight against diabetes?
After being diagnosed with diabetes in 1979, she became an advocate for diabetes awareness and spoke openly about her struggles with the disease.
What significant TV shows and movies did Della Reese appear in?
Apart from Touched by an Angel, she appeared in shows like The Mod Squad, The Love Boat, and The Young and the Restless, as well as movies like Harlem Nights and A Thin Line Between Love and Hate.
What was Della’s role in breaking barriers in television?
She was the first black woman to host her own talk show, Della, in 1969, making significant strides for African-American women in television.
Did Della have any notable collaborations or influences in music?
She collaborated with gospel great Mahalia Jackson early in her career and was influenced by jazz artists like Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan.
How did Della’s early life and education shape her career?
Growing up in Detroit, she started singing in church at six and formed her gospel group by her teens. She was the first in her family to graduate from high school and briefly attended Wayne State University.
Conclusion
Della Reese’s net worth of $8 million in 2024 is a reflection of her talent, hard work, and resilience. Her journey from a young gospel singer to an iconic actress and minister is inspiring.
For more insights into the finances of famous personalities, visit rachelparris.com. By the way, if you’re curious about the highest-paid TV actress, we’ve got you covered too!
