Marcia Hines pays tribute to her cousin Colin Powell after his death

Former US Secretary of State Colin Powell’s surprising Aussie link has been revealed... and today the treasured singing star paid an emotional tribute to him.

As the world mourns the tragic passing of former US Secretary of State Colin Powell, his surprising Australian link has been revealed.

Powell, who died at age 84 on Monday due to complications from Covid 19, was the cousin of singer Marcia Hines.

The former Australian Idol judge, 68, was born in Boston, Massachusetts to Jamaican parents while Powell was the son of Jamaican immigrants.

Former US Secretary of State Colin Powell with George W. Bush.

It’s understood that the pair did not have a close relationship.

Hines posted a touching tribute on Instagram today.

“Remembering my cousin #colinpowell today on the sad news of his passing. In the words of former American President Barack Obama: “General Powell was an exemplary #soldier and an exemplary #patriot.

Surprise link... Powell was the cousin of singer Marcia Hines.

“He was at the center (sic) 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.

“Along the way, 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.

“Fly high cousin. Your imprint on the world is a reflection of your passion and persistence.”

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

“I have a very interesting family politically. My auntie was the Minister of Education in Jamaica, my uncle was the Premier and Colin Powell is my cousin,” Hines was once quoted as saying.

Another famous relative of Hines is singer Grace Jones, who is also her cousin.

Hines moved to Australia at age 16 and began performing in theatre after being scouted by Australian entrepreneur Harry M. Miller while he was visiting the US.

She has a daughter, Deni Hines, who is also a singer.

The family of Powell announced his shock passing via Facebook on Monday and noted that he was fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

‘Fly high cousin’... Hines posted a tribute on Instagram.

“General Colin L. Powell, former U.S. Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, passed away this morning due to complications from Covid 19,” a statement read.

“He was fully vaccinated. We want to thank the medical staff at Walter Reed National Medical Center for their caring treatment. We have lost a remarkable and loving husband, father, grandfather and a great American.”

The former Vietnam veteran had multiple myeloma and Parkinson’s which put him at higher risk of Covid-19.

The signer posted a tribute on social media today.

Fondly remembered.... General Colin Powell.

Another famous relative of Hines is singer Grace Jones.

Powell was the first Black US secretary of state and national security adviser and he served under several Republican administrations.

US President Joe Biden led tributes to his “dear friend”.

“Colin embodied the highest ideals of both warrior and diplomat. He was committed to our nation’s strength and security above all. Having fought in wars, he understood better than anyone that military might alone was not enough to maintain our peace and prosperity.

“From his front-seat view of history, advising presidents and shaping our nation’s policies, Colin led with his personal commitment to the democratic values that make our country strong. Time and again, he put country before self, before party, before all else -- in uniform and out -- and it earned him the universal respect of the American people,” Biden said.