Former First Lady Melania Trump Announces That Her Mother, Amalija Knavs, Has Died At 78

The former First Lady Melania Trump has announced that her mother, Amalija Knavs, has died at 78.

“It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of my beloved mother, Amalija,” she wrote on X.

“Amalija Knavs was a strong woman who always carried herself with grace, warmth, and dignity,” the former first lady added. “She was entirely devoted to her husband, daughters, grandson, and son-in-law. We will miss her beyond measure and continue to honor and love her legacy.”

“This is a very sad night for the entire Trump family,” Melania’s husband, Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Melania’s great and beautiful mother, Amalija, has just gone to a beautiful place in the sky. She was an incredible woman, and will be missed far beyond words!”

The former first lady became a U.S. citizen back in 2006 after immigrating from Slovenia. Her mother and father, Viktor Knavs, who are also Slovenia-born, became American citizens in 2018 after Melania sponsored them.

This process of sponsoring was criticized by Donald during his time as president as he called it “chain migration.”

The Knavs spent their time in Washington, D.C., living on the White House’s upper floors during Donald’s time as president. They were also very close with the former president and their grandson, Barron Trump, who can even speak fluent Slovenian. 

Melania’s parents were frequently spotted getting on Air Force One to travel with the first family to Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s resort in Palm Beach, Florida, or to the Trump golf course in Bedminster, New Jersey.

In December 2023, it was revealed that Melania was staying secluded in one of Mar-a-Lago’s many bedrooms, after being notably absent from the public eye for a few months.

On New Year’s Eve, Donald confirmed Amalija had been battling a serious illness and that Melania needed to tend to her while commending her as a “beloved first lady.”