DELLA REESE DEAD AT 86

Beloved singer and actress Della Reese, best known for starring in “Touched By an Angel,” died Sunday night … according to her family.

Della had battled diabetes for years. Her family says she passed away in her California home.

She co-starred with Roma Downey on ‘Angel’ … playing Tess. She also had big roles in “Harlem Nights” and “A Thin Line Between Love and Hate.” She was also the first black woman to guest host “The Tonight Show.”

Della was also an accomplished gospel singer — Mahalia Jackson discovered her. She went on to become an ordained minister in the 1980s.

Della was 86.

On behalf of her husband, Franklin Lett, and all her friends and family, I share with you the news that our beloved Della Reese has passed away peacefully at her California home surrounded by love. She was an incredible Wife, Mother, Grandmother, friend, and Pastor, as well as an award-winning actress and singer. Through her life and work she touched and inspired the lives of millions of people. She was a mother to me and 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. ?????????

A post shared by Roma Downey? (@romadowney) on Nov 20, 2017 at 10:04am PST