'Touched by an Angel' star Della Reese passes on at age 86

Della Reese, best known recently for her role as Tess on the hit TV series "Touched by an Angel," died Sunday.

She was 86. Details of her death were revealed in a joint statement from Reese's family and her longtime friend and co-star Roma Downey. "On behalf of her husband, Franklin Lett, and all her friends and family, I share with you the news that our beloved Della Reese has passed away peacefully at her California home last evening surrounded by love," the statement began. "She was an incredible Wife, Mother, Grandmother, friend, and Pastor, as well as an award-winning actress and singer," the statement continued. "Through her life and work she touched and inspired the lives of millions of people."
 Downey, who portrayed Monica, Reese's onscreen helper on "Touched by an Angel," also shared in a statement what Reese meant to her.
Reese leaves behind her husband, Franklin Lett, and her children James, Franklin, and Dominique.
May her beautiful soul RIP- AMEN.