What powered Della Reese’s net worth over seven decades of success? From gospel stages to Hollywood sets, she didn’t just entertain—she built a lasting financial legacy.
Her earnings came from a mix of music royalties, acting salaries, television hosting, ministry, and real estate.
In this article, PBC takes a close look at how she made her money, where it came from, and how she managed it.
Della Reese Quick Facts
| 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 is the Net Worth Of Della Reese in 2025?
How much did Della Reese leave behind financially? Her net worth was estimated at $8 million at the time of her death in 2017.
While there’s no updated value for 2025, her estate remains a significant part of celebrity wealth rankings. Compared to similar figures in the entertainment and ministry fields, she stood tall both in legacy and value.
Her wealth came from a blend of music, acting, TV hosting, ministry, and real estate. With standout roles on Touched by an Angel and a successful music career that spanned decades, she remains an influential figure.
Here are people and companies related to her career:
- CBS
- Franklin Lett Jr.
- Jubilee Records
- RCA Victor
- Mahalia Jackson
- Roma Downey
- Brilliance
- Eddie Murphy
- Mercer Ellington
- Queen Latifah
Explore more on other well-known personalities in entertainment who shaped the industry and its financial landscape.
Della Reese Wealth, Salary and Financial Overview
How did she accumulate her wealth over seven decades?
Della Reese’s journey to financial success began in gospel music. Touring with Mahalia Jackson, she gained performance experience and later joined the Meditation Singers. By the 1950s, she transitioned into secular music, scoring her first big hit with And That Reminds Me, which sold over one million copies.
Her commercial breakthrough came with the 1959 chart-topping single Don’t You Know? under RCA Victor, which became a gold-certified hit. That success cemented her presence in the music industry.
Moving into television during the 1960s, she appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show and soon hosted her own talk show, Della. While music gave her fame, television gave her long-term financial power. Notably, her leading role in Touched by an Angel provided steady income for nearly a decade.
She also earned from live performances, touring, and Las Vegas shows. Over the years, her income diversified across performances, television salaries, and religious ventures.
What were her primary sources of income throughout her life?
Della Reese’s wealth grew from various sources:
- Record deals with Jubilee Records and RCA Victor
- Hosting her own talk show
- Recurring roles in shows like Chico and the Man, The Royal Family, and Touched by an Angel
- Book royalties from Angels Along the Way and four other titles
- Religious services and speaking engagements through her church, Understanding Principles for Better Living
- Concert tours and live shows, including Las Vegas residencies
From performing at the Major League Baseball All-Star Game to forming the Grammy-nominated gospel group Brilliance, her financial streams were wide-ranging.
How much did she earn from her most successful projects?
Della Reese’s most lucrative project was undoubtedly her role as Tess in Touched by an Angel. After salary disputes with CBS, she negotiated her earnings up to $100,000 per episode, a major leap from her initial compensation.
Additionally, her single Don’t You Know? sold over one million copies and ranked No. 2 on the Billboard charts, contributing significant royalties.
Other projects with solid payouts included:
- Her live albums
- Appearances in Harlem Nights alongside Eddie Murphy
- Voice work in Disney’s Dinosaur
- Television films produced with husband Franklin Lett Jr.
She also hosted nearly 200 episodes of Della, which not only paid well but elevated her financial visibility in Hollywood.
What properties and assets did she own during her life?
Della Reese lived for over 30 years in a Bel-Air mansion. Originally 6,000 square feet, she expanded it to 9,000 square feet with a near Olympic-sized pool. The property sold in 2014 for $7.5 million.
After the sale, she purchased a more modest home in Encino, California for $1.79 million. This home went on the market for $1.9 million after her passing.
She was not just an entertainer but also a savvy investor. These real estate transactions reflect long-term value appreciation and intelligent asset management.
How did her financial decisions reflect her career and values?
Della Reese consistently prioritized integrity over profit. When asked to cut costs on her talk show, she refused to downsize the 16-piece orchestra and instead chose to end the show.
During Touched by an Angel, she fought for salary equity, demonstrating financial assertiveness. She also used personal funds to establish and sustain her church.
Her investment in real estate and refusal to accept less than she was worth proved her understanding of long-term value. These decisions showed a balance between maintaining artistic vision and securing financial stability.
How did her personal life influence her financial journey?
Della Reese’s personal relationships were closely tied to her financial path. Her fourth husband, Franklin Lett Jr., played a key role in managing her career and overseeing business ventures.
She supported her family, particularly after her mother’s death and a fallout with her father. Her early struggles—working as a taxi driver and in odd jobs—shaped her disciplined approach to money later in life.
Her spiritual transformation in the 1980s led to a second calling as a minister, impacting how she earned and spent money in her later years.
What was the legacy of her financial life after she passed away?
After her death in 2017, Della Reese’s real estate holdings transitioned through the market. Her Encino home was listed for sale at $1.9 million, and her Bel-Air property was later developed into an 11,000-square-foot mansion that sold for $19.25 million.
She left behind a legacy of success across multiple industries. Through books, recorded music, and archived performances, her financial legacy continues to impact her family, church, and fans.
Her estate remains part of public interest, often featured among influential entertainers who built wealth across music, television, and ministry.
Conclusion
Della Reese’s financial journey is as inspiring as her career. Like, share, or comment to let us know what you think—or explore more profiles at Pennbookcenter.com.
