On Monday, the world lost a gem with the passing of Della Reese.
The singer and actress — most known for her role on Touched by an Angel — had a career that spanned over five decades. As the young protégé of Mahalia Jackson, Reese (born Delloreese Patricia Early), was a dynamic multi-talented artist that did everything from guest host The Tonight Show to crack jokes with comedians Richard Pryor and Red Foxx.
Below, see rare photos of Reese on stage and in her element as we remember and honor her legacy.
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Reese on ‘The Lively Ones’ show during is second season in June 1963.
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Reese with Debbie Allen and Damon Evans on ‘Roots: The Next Generation’ in Feb 1979.
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Reese with Cleavon Little and Richard Lawson on ‘Macgyver’ episode from October 14, 1991.
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Reese performing in the 1950s.
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Reese performing in 1950.
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Reese on ‘The Hollywood Palace’ on February 22, 1964.
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Reese guest hosting ‘The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson’ interviewing Muhammad Ali on Nov 3, 1975.
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Reese in 1960.
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Reese on ‘The Love Boat Follies: The Musical’ in 1982.
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Reese on television in the 1970s.
NBC/Getty Images
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Reese on stage in 1955.
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Reese in portrait from 1958.
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Reese in 1960.
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In Toronto taping an apperance on the George Kirby show at CFTO-TV in 1972.
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Della Reese
In candid photo from 1960s.
