By Mark Gray
2:29 p.m. PDT, October 18, 2021
Colin Powell, America’s first black secretary of state, died on October 18, 2021 due to complications from COVID-19. He was 84 years old. The former four-star general, who helped shape U.S. foreign policy for decades under several Republican administrations, was fully vaccinated but also suffered from multiple myeloma, a cancer of the plasma cells that suppresses the body’s immune response, the longtime former general chief of staff Peggy Cifrino confirmed to CNN, adding that the chief “also had Parkinson’s disease, which put him at high risk with an immunocompromised system.” After his death, many Hollywood celebrities and prominent politicians paid tribute to him on social media.
Read on to see how he’s publicly honored …
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“Colin Powell lived his life first, but always came second – to his country, his soldiers, his family. May his selflessness and his patriotism inspire us all, every day. -Arnold Schwarzenegger
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“Oh man! Another great loss! You left a huge legacy and therefore will leave a huge hole! I have an abundance of gratitude for your life. Rest in glorious peace, sir! Hail. Prayers for your loved ones . ” –Viola Davis
“Laura and I are deeply saddened by the death of Colin Powell. He was a great public servant, starting with his time as a soldier in Vietnam. Many Presidents have relied on the advice and experience of General Powell. He was National Security Advisor under President Reagan, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under my father and President Clinton, and Secretary of State during my administration. He was such a favorite of Presidents that he won the Medal Presidential Freedom – twice. He was well respected at home and abroad. And most importantly, Colin was a family man and friend. Laura and I extend our sincerest words to Alma and their children condolences as they remember the life of a great man. ” -George W. Bush
“Very sorry to hear that Colin Powell has passed away. My thoughts are with the family today. Sir, Thank you for your dedicated service to our country. It has been an honor to know you and to call you a friend. Rest in peace. God bless. ” –Gary Sinise
“I will never forget General #ColinPowell” -Wyclef Jean
“General Colin Powell understood the best in this country and tried to align his life, career and public statements with that ideal. Michelle and I will always look to him as an example of what l ‘America and Americans can and should be. ” – Barack Obama
“Colin Powell was a good man. He will be remembered as one of our great Americans… Colin embodied the highest ideals of the warrior and the diplomat. He was above all committed to the strength and security of our country. nation. Having fought in wars, he understood better than anyone that military might alone was not enough to maintain our peace and prosperity. From his view of history, advising presidents and shaping policies of our country, Colin led with his personal commitment to the democratic values that make our country strong.And once again, he put the country before himself, before the party, before everything else – in uniform and in exterior – and this has earned him the universal respect of the American people “- Joe Biden
“I worked with Colin Powell to advocate for investments in early childhood development. He was generous and kind. And I know he was distressed and regretted his support for the invasion of Iraq. May he rest in peace.” –Rob Reiner
“A true patriot and public servant, we were honored to work alongside him to strengthen communities in the United States, help resolve the conflict in Haiti and observe elections in Jamaica. His courage and integrity will be an inspiration for generations to come. -Jimmy Carter
“Colin Powell was an inspiring leader, a pioneer, a role model and a committed public servant. Along with hundreds of millions of people, I have always respected his exemplary military service and his choice to put the homeland first. My thoughts go out to Alma and their children at this difficult time. ” –Al Gore
“Absolutely disgusted to hear of the passing of Colin Powell. The fact that it was due to complications from Covid makes it all the more painful. Hail sir, for all you have done for this great nation.” – Ron Perlman
“Colin Powell was a true American patriot who served our nation with distinction in uniform, as a Four Star General, National Security Advisor, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs and 65th Secretary of State. Karen and I pray for his wife, Alma, and the whole Powell family. ” – Mike Pence
“For 20 years, I had the honor of sharing the National Memorial Day concert stage with General Colin Powell. I share the loss of a dear friend with our country who lost one of its greatest patriots. #ColinPowell “-Joe Mantegna
“Colin Powell; made the world a better place. The ‘ROTC can always be proud of himself and Harlem.’ A humble man who listened. ‘Never a fit of anger’ is doing well. “–George Foreman
“Today the nation has lost a historic leader who dedicated his life to defending our nation and our families. General Colin Powell was a patriot whose leadership made America stronger and whose life embodied the American dream. Sad loss of Colin Powell is another sad indication of the toll the coronavirus continues to take in our country. As we pray for the loved ones of General Powell, we pray for the families of the nearly 725,000 Americans who have been taken from us by this vicious virus. May it be a comfort to Alma and the entire Powell family that so many people in America mourn their loss and pray for them at this sad time. ” –Nancy Pelosi
“Thank God for knowing #ColinPowell, as Joint Chief of Staff, Secretary of State, traveling to Africa or home with his beloved wife Alma. He was consistent in front of the camera or silent home. He was a man of integrity & blessed with a worldview; not a polarizer, but a reconciler. He saw evil in the world, but believed that good would triumph over evil. In this truth, he saw the evil in the world. found his strength of character to do good. Generations will benefit from his integrity. I loved Colin Power for his friendship and wise advice over the years. #colinpowell #rip “- Rev. Jesse jackson
“Bill and I will always be grateful for the chances we have had to work and serve with General Colin Powell. Our hearts go out to Alma and the entire Powell family.” -Hillary Clinton
“He broke so many glass ceilings for African Americans. He never forgot where he came from. Stay in power, Colin Powell.” –Ana Navarro-Cardenas
“Secretary Colin Powell has spent his life serving our country. He has been an example of strong leadership for generations of military personnel, including myself. I send my thoughts and condolences to his family on the sad news of his death.” – Mark Kelly
“Selflessly serving our country, breaking down barriers and showing leadership throughout his life, Colin Powell set an example of public service and statesmanship that will be remembered for generations. Chasten and I extend our condolences to his wife Alma and their children. –Pete Buttigieg
“My thoughts are with the loved ones of Colin Powell, whom we lost today. Powell made history as the first African American Secretary of State after serving as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. A man of principle, he was an ardent critic of those who push the party over the country. ” –George Takei
“Today the nation has lost a man of unwavering courage and a champion of character. Statesman and pioneer, devoted to America and to the cause of freedom, the legacy of service and honor of Colin Powell will inspire a long time. Ann and I offer our sincere love and condolences to Alma and her family. ” –Sen. Mitt Romney
“Colin Powell never ceased to serve when he retired from the military and government. He was so devoted to the children of our nation with America’s Promise. Our prayers are with his wife Alma and their family. ” –Amy Klobuchar
“Colin Powell was a Four Star General of the Army, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Secretary of State. He was a very accomplished person who made so many people in this country proud, especially those of ‘between us in the black community. May he rest in peace. ” –Maxine Waters
“The life, impact and legacy of Colin Powell will be long remembered and admired. We are a better nation for his dedication and leadership, for his guidance and love of the country. My prayers are with his family and his loved ones for this enormous loss. ” –Adam Kinzinger
“General Colin Powell was a man of deep intelligence, courage and patriotism, whose life was defined by service to the country. America will be sadly missed – but his unparalleled legacy will live on. My prayers go out to his family and friends, and to those he inspired to serve. ” –Adam Schiff
“The death of General Colin Powell is so shocking and heartbreaking. He had a hard time around our wars, but was a basically good and decent man and a great American we could all be proud of. I know my Caribbean American family I certainly are. I wish his soul and his family peace. ” -Joy Reid
“General Colin Powell once showed me his table of ‘rules of life’ which he took everywhere. He understood, “Be angry, then get over it. Share the credit. Stay calm. Be nice. Have a vision. Be demanding. They seem like pretty damn good rules of life for me. What a great man. “–Piers Morgan
“My condolences to Colin Powell’s family. Although we disagree on many issues, I have always respected him and was proud of his accomplishments. When he and I met and chatted, I always walked away thinking he was a sincere, committed man… what he believed in. RIP ”- Rev. Al sharpton
“Colin Powell was a great American and a good friend. I was part of a small, determined group that prompted him to run for President in 1996. What if ???” –Rudy Giuliani
