Bush and Blair lead tributes to Colin Powell after death aged 84

18 October 2021, 19:06 | Updated: 18 October 2021, 20:37

George W Bush pictured with Colin Powell in 2002
George W Bush pictured with Colin Powell in 2002. Picture: Alamy

By Patrick Grafton-Green

Former US president George W Bush has led tributes to Colin Powell, the first African-American secretary of state, following his death aged 84.

Mr Powell died from Covid-19 complications, his family announced on Monday.

"We have lost a remarkable and loving husband, father and grandfather and a great American," the family said.

Mr Bush, who selected Mr Powell to be secretary of state after winning the 2000 presidential election, described Mr Powell as a "great public servant, starting with his time as a soldier during Vietnam."

He served under four presidents and "was such a favourite of presidents that he earned the presidential medal of freedom - twice", Mr Bush said.

He added: "Most important, Colin was a family man and a friend."

President Joe Biden called him a "dear friend and a patriot of unmatched honor and dignity".

He said: "Time and time 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."

Former prime minister Tony Blair, who worked closely with Mr Powell in the early years of the Iraq War, said he was "someone of immense capability and integrity, a hugely likeable and warm personality and a great companion, with a lovely and self-deprecating sense of humour."

"He was wonderful to work with, he inspired loyalty and respect and was one of those leaders who always treated those under them with kindness and concern", he added.

Mr Bush's vice president Dick Cheney said: "General Powell had a remarkably distinguished career, and I was fortunate to work with him. He was a man who loved his country and served her long and well."

He added: "Colin was a trailblazer and role model for so many: the son of immigrants who rose to become national security advisor, chairman of the joint chiefs, and secretary of state."

Condoleezza Rice, who was Mr Powell's successor as secretary of state and the first black woman in the role, said he was "a truly great man".

President Biden's secretary of state Anthony Blinken added: "Colin Powell dedicated his extraordinary life to public service because he never stopped believing in America, and we believe in America, in no small part, because if helped produce someone like Colin Powell."

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

London, England. 24th May 2025. Pixie Lott wears a tshirt gifted by a fan as she presents new single 'Somebody's daughter' to the Foodie Festival audience. Cristina Massei/Alamy Live News

Pixie Lott reveals she's pregnant with second child on stage at festival

The Ukrainian leader celebrated the attack in Russia.

'Brilliant result': Zelenskyy celebrates Ukraine's attack on 40 'enemy bombers' in Russia that caused '$7bn' damage

The Royal Terrace Pier Gravesend Kent UK

Man describes rescuing 'screaming' boy from Thames after body recovered in search for missing girl

Yates on the podium, wearing the pink jersey of the race overall leader, celebrates after winning the 21th stage of the Giro d'Italia 2025. Sport - cycling. (Photo by Fabio Ferrari/LaPresse) Credit: LaPresse/Alamy Live News

Britain's Simon Yates wins first Giro d'Italia title in Rome

IDF Spokesperson BG Effie Defrin features in a video posted to X, captioned: "I visited the area of one of the GHF humanitarian aid distribution centers to set the record straight."

IDF denies responsibility after reports of 31 dead in Israeli attack near aid site

Climate activist Greta Thunberg with other activists from a human rights organization meets with journalists in Catania, Italy, Sunday, June 1, 2025, ahead of their departure for the Mideast.

'We have to keep trying': Greta Thunberg sets sail on journey to bring aid relief to Gaza as activist is joined by 11 others

Wiltshire Police confirmed nine people had sustained injuries and were taken to hospital.

Boat on River Thames 'explodes' with nine people injured 'including baby' and transferred to hospital after blaze

British surgeon Dr. Victoria Rose describes the catastrophic scene at Nasser Medical Complex

'Absolute carnage': British doctor describes horror in Gaza hospital after Israel 'opens fire' on aid centre

Sam was driving on the A34 near Manchester on Monday when his car suddenly left the road.

Race Across the World contestant Sam Gardiner, 24, dies in car crash as family pay tribute to his 'joy and energy'

Russia's Ministry of Defence acknowledged the strikes on airfields across five regions earlier today.

Ukraine targets more than 40 'enemy bombers' deep inside Russia with drones 'hidden' in special containers, source says

Firefighters with breathing apparatus and a ladder truck work at the Marienkrankenhaus hospital in Hamburg's Hohenfelde district of Hamburg.

Three dead, more than thirty-five injured in fire in geriatric ward of German hospital

An investigation has found trending mental health TikTok videos are spreading misinformation about mental health

'Feeling anxious? Eat an orange in the shower': Over half of top 100 Tik Tok mental health advice videos contain misinformation

Police warning to uber drivers after 'drunk passengers' found abandoned on dark motorway

Police warning to taxi drivers after 'drunk passengers' abandoned on motorway after being sick in Uber

Russian drone hits residential building in Belozersk

40 Russian bomber planes struck as Ukraine claims to have conducted drone attack

The awards were hosted at the Hackney Empire in London

Chaos at British Soap Awards after bomb threat prompts emergency evacuation

Berlin, Deutschland

Zelensky confirms Ukraine to take part in upcoming peace talks with Russia in Istanbul