Melania Trump's Mother, Amalija Knavs, Passes Away at the Age of 78

Amalija Knavs, the mother of former first lady Melania Trump, has sadly passed away at the age of 78. The news was confirmed by Melania Trump in a statement on Tuesday night, where she described her mother as a "strong woman who always carried herself with grace, warmth, and dignity."

Donald Trump had mentioned his mother-in-law's illness during a New Year's Eve event at Mar-a-Lago, stating that she had been "very ill." Melania Trump was by her mother's side at a Miami hospital during this time. The former first lady's absence from a recent family Christmas photo at Mar-a-Lago had also raised concerns about her mother's health.

Melania Trump expressed her deep sadness and highlighted her mother's devotion to her family, saying, "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."

A photo of Donald Trump and Amalija Knavs together was shared on his social media platforms as he wrote, "This is a very sad night for the entire Trump family!!! 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!"

Amalija Knavs, born in 1945, worked as a pattern maker in a textile factory in Slovenia until her retirement in the '90s. Melania Trump had mentioned her mother's influence on her fashion sense and beauty in her speech at the 2016 Republican National Convention. Melania described her mother as elegant and hardworking.

Amalija Knavs and her husband, Viktor Knavs, became U.S. citizens in 2018 through a family-based immigration program. This program had faced criticism from then-President Trump who referred to it as "chain migration." However, it is important to note that Amalija and Viktor Knavs went through the legal process to become citizens.

The passing of Amalija Knavs is a significant loss for the Trump family, who are mourning the loss of a beloved mother and grandmother. They will cherish her memory and the impact she had on their lives.