Many fans are curious about Della Reese's financial success in 2026. In this article, we dive deep into the assets and career highlights.

What was Della Reese's Net Worth?

Della Reese was a singer, actress, and ordained minister who had a net worth of $8 million at the time of her death in 2017. Della Reese's career spanned seven decades. After kicking off her career as a recording artist in the 1950s with such hit songs as "And That Reminds Me" and "Don't You Know?," she transitioned to television and hosted her own eponymous talk show. Reese also acted in some films, including "Harlem Nights" and "Expecting Mary," and played the main role of Tess on the popular CBS television series "Touched by an Angel."

Bel-Air Mansion

For over 30 years Della lived in a mansion in LA's Bel-Air neighborhood. When she first purchased the home it was just under 6,000 square feet. She expanded it to 9,000 square feet and lengthened the pool to be nearly "Olympic" sized.  In 2014 they sold the home to a developer for $7.5 million. The developer proceeded to tear the former home down and build an 11,000 square foot mansion on the site. He sold the home in 2017 to a Chinese billionaire for $19.25 million.

After selling this home Della bought a home in Encino, California for $1.79 million . After her death, this home was put on the market for $1.9 million.

Early Life and Education

Della Reese was born as Delloreese Early on July 6, 1931 in the historic Black Bottom neighborhood of Detroit, Michigan. Her parents were Nellie, a cook, and Richard, a steelworker. Although Reese's mother had several other children before Reese was born, none of them lived with her mother. When she was six years old, Reese started singing in church, and as an adolescent she started directing the young people's choir. Often chosen to sing on the radio, she also was hired to sing with the gospel group ofMahalia Jackson. While touring with Jackson, Reese attended Cass Technical High School, graduating in 1947 as the first in her family to earn a high school degree. She went on to attend Wayne State University. However, due in part to the death of her mother and the deteriorating health of her father, Reese dropped out of school to support her family. She took a number of odd jobs to help, including truck driver and elevator operator.

Music Career

Ultimately, Della Reese's financial journey is a testament to their success.

Disclaimer: All net worth figures are estimates based on public data.