Let's dive into the incredible life of Della Reese and uncover how she built her fortune over seven decades. From gospel music to Hollywood stardom, Della wasn’t just a performer—she was a financial powerhouse who left behind an inspiring legacy.
Her wealth was a result of her diverse career, which included music royalties, acting salaries, hosting gigs, ministry work, and smart real estate investments.
Here at PBC, we're taking a closer look at how she earned her money, where it came from, and how she managed it all. Get ready to learn about the woman behind the numbers!
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Table of Contents
Della Reese: A Quick Look at Her Life
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Delloreese Patricia Early |
| Popular Name | Della Reese |
| Birth Date | July 6, 1931 |
| Age | 86 (Died: November 19, 2017) |
| Birthplace | Detroit, Michigan, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American, Cherokee ancestry |
| Education | Cass Technical High School, Wayne State University (Dropped out) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Franklin Lett (m. 1983–2017), Leroy Gray (m. 1959–1961), Vermont Taliaferro (m. 1951–1958) |
| Children | 4 including Deloreese Daniels, Dominique Reese |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | 5 older sisters, 1 brother |
| Parents | Richard Thaddeus Early, Nellie Mitchelle |
| Height (meters) | 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) |
| Net Worth | $8 million |
| Source of Wealth | Music, Television, Acting, Ministry, Real Estate |
What Was Della Reese's Net Worth in 2025?
When Della Reese passed away in 2017, she left behind a legacy of $8 million. Now, while we can't update that figure for 2025, her estate continues to be a significant part of the entertainment world's financial landscape. She wasn’t just about the money—she was about building a legacy that would last long after her time.
Her wealth came from her music, her iconic role on Touched by an Angel, her ministry, and her real estate ventures. She wasn’t just another celebrity; she was a trailblazer who left a mark on the industry.
Some of the key players in her career included CBS, her husband Franklin Lett Jr., and legendary figures like Mahalia Jackson, Roma Downey, Eddie Murphy, and Queen Latifah. Together, they helped shape her journey into one of the most influential entertainers of her generation.
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A Deep Dive into Della Reese’s Wealth and Finances
How Did She Build Her Wealth Over Seven Decades?
Della Reese’s journey to financial success started in gospel music. Performing alongside Mahalia Jackson gave her the foundation she needed to break into the music scene. By the 1950s, she had transitioned into pop music, scoring her first big hit with “And That Reminds Me,” which sold over a million copies. That was just the beginning.
Her 1959 hit, “Don’t You Know?,” became a gold-certified success and cemented her place in the music industry. But Della wasn’t done there. She moved into television in the 1960s, appearing on iconic shows like The Ed Sullivan Show and eventually hosting her own talk show, Della. Her role as Tess on Touched by an Angel brought her steady income for nearly a decade, proving that her financial success wasn’t just a flash in the pan.
What Were Her Primary Sources of Income?
Della Reese’s wealth came from a variety of sources:
- Record deals with Jubilee Records and RCA Victor
- Hosting her own talk
