Della Reese Dead At 86 — Her Tragic Final Years

Della Reese, the legendary vocalist who found a new audience as heavenly supervisor Tess on “Touched By an Angel,” died in her California home on Nov. 19, 2017 — after years of struggling through health issues.

The beloved television star was 86 years old — and, as reported by The National ENQUIRER, shocked fans of the hit show while celebrating costar Roma Downey's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The Aug. 2016 appearance confirmed that the jazz, pop and gospel legend — who had also married Roma and husband Mark Burnett as an ordained minister — was now relying on a wheelchair to get around.

Della had told The ENQUIRER in an exclusive interview when she was diagnosed with deadly Type 2 diabetes, which can cripple and even kill its victims. "My life is at stake," said Della. "I don't have Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes has me. I've had to make some big changes to have the quality of life I want."

Della added that she was determined to change her lifestyle, but the star  was clearly struggling to be at Roma's side for her big honor. Previously, she had bravely continued to take roles over the years, once boasting: "I have to work, to do something" — but had quit performing in front of the cameras by 2014.