Former first lady Melania Trump paid tribute to her mother, Amalija Knavs, at a private funeral held at the Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea in Palm Beach, Florida. The intimate service took place at 10 a.m. on Thursday morning, as family and close friends gathered to honor the life of Knavs, who passed away at the age of 78 on January 9.

Melania, 53, delivered a heartfelt eulogy during the service, expressing admiration for her mother's nurturing spirit and unparalleled affection. Describing her mother as the epitome of a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and mother-in-law, Melania highlighted her mother's beauty and impeccable sense of style, which captivated many.

"She's a true inspiration, a role model to me, and to so many," Melania said, speaking of her late mother. She concluded her emotional seven-minute speech by tenderly saying, "Rest in peace, my beloved mommy."

The former first lady was seen embracing her father, Viktor Knavs, before taking her seat next to her 17-year-old son, Barron Trump, inside the church. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump, 77, stood beside Barron, appearing solemn in a navy suit and black tie.

The extended Trump family, including Ivanka Trump, her husband Jared Kushner, Tiffany Trump, and Kimberly Guilfoyle, Donald Trump Jr.'s fiancée, were also present at the funeral service. Their arrival was noted by the local traffic warnings issued by the town of Palm Beach. The Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea holds significance for the Trump family as it was the venue for Donald and Melania's extravagant wedding ceremony in 2005.

President Trump, who is currently involved in a defamation trial in New York City, expressed his disappointment at not being able to attend the funeral the previous day due to the trial. However, he took a moment during his victory speech after winning the Iowa caucuses to remember Melania's late mother and described her as one of the most special people he had ever known.

Amalija Knavs, a Slovenian American, lived a relatively private life alongside her husband during her daughter's high-profile marriage to Donald Trump. However, she occasionally made appearances at the White House during her son-in-law's presidency. In 2018, she participated in the launch of Melania's "Be Best" campaign.

The Knavs family became U.S. citizens in 2018 through a process that allowed Melania to sponsor her parents. In recent years, the Knavses lived with the Trump family at Mar-a-Lago, the Trumps' Florida estate.

Melania announced her mother's passing with a heartfelt statement, highlighting Amalija's strength, grace, warmth, and devotion to her loved ones. The former first lady expressed that her mother's legacy will be honored and cherished, while acknowledging the immense loss her family feels.

The private funeral for Amalija Knavs served as a time for Melania Trump and her family to say their final goodbyes to a mother, grandmother, and an integral part of their lives.