Marcia Hines pays tribute to her cousin Colin Powell as the former U.S. secretary of state dies aged 84: 'He will be missed by all fair-minded humanitarians throughout the world'

Colin Powell, the first Black U.S. secretary of state, died on Monday at the age of 84 due to complications from Covid-19.

And the American politician's Aussie connection has now been revealed, with his cousin Marcia Hines releasing a statement about his death on Tuesday.

The 68-year-old singer, who was born in Boston and moved to Australia in 1969, said: 'Not only are my family sad to hear of Colin's passing, he will be missed by all fair-minded humanitarians throughout the world.' 

The former Australian Idol judge also shared a loving tribute to Powell on Instagram.

'Remembering my cousin Colin Powell today on the sad news of his passing,' the Australian-American songstress wrote.  

She then quoted a speech by former U.S. president Barack Obama on Powell's death.

'General Powell was an exemplary soldier and an exemplary patriot,' it read.

'He was at the centre of some of the most consequential events of our lifetimes and although he’d be the first to acknowledge that he didn’t get every call right, his actions reflected what he believed was best for America and the people he served.

'General Powell helped a generation of young people set their sights higher. 

'He never denied the role that race played in his own life and in our society more broadly. But he also refused to accept that race would limit his dreams, and through his steady and principled leadership, helped pave the way for so many who would follow.'

Hines then added a heartfelt message at the end of the tribute.

'Fly high, cousin. Your imprint on the world is a reflection of your passion and persistence,' she wrote.

Hines was born in Boston, Massachusetts, to Jamaican parents. Powell, also of Jamaican ancestry, was born in New York City. 

Hines is also the cousin of Jamaican-American singer and model Grace Jones.

She moved to Australia at the age of 16 to perform in theatre after being scouted by entrepreneur Harry M. Miller and director Jim Sharman on a trip to the U.S.

Powell, meanwhile, had an illustrious career in politics and in the military. 

He served as a soldier in Vietnam and later became a four-star general.

After entering politics, he became a National Security Advisor under the Reagan administration.

Powell would continue serving under Republican administrations and was appointed the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in 1989.

In 2001, he became the first African-American secretary of state in George W. Bush's Cabinet. 

He died from Covid complications on Monday at the age of 84.

Powell was fully vaccinated, but he had multiple myeloma and Parkinson's, which put him at higher risk.