Della Reese’s Last Words: ‘I’ll See My Daughter Again’

Della Reese ­endured unspeakable tragedy before her Nov. 19 passing at age 86 — but the actress’ last words were: “Don’t cry for me. I’m going home to be with my Lord Jesus, and I’ll see my daughter again!”

In 2002, Della was devastated by the sudden death of her 41-year-old adopted daughter, Deloreese Daniels Owens, who’d been battling several chronic illnesses. “Della loved her with all her heart,” said a pal. “After her daughter died, Della never quite got over it.”

The struggling star also faced new troubles in her final years. The ordained minister suffered with type 2 diabetes and was confined to a wheelchair. And despite spending decades as an acclaimed jazz and gospel singer, the star couldn't keep her troubled church from running into financial problems.

In 2011, the "Touched by an Angel" star also owed more than $20,000 in taxes for her Bel-Air estate. But insiders said that nothing hit Della as hard as losing Deloreese. “Now she’s finally at peace,” said the source — as former costar Roma Downey added: “I know heaven has a brand-new angel!”