Melania Trump's Mother, Amalija Knavs, Passes Away

Washington, D.C. - Amalija Knavs, the beloved mother of former first lady Melania Trump, has sadly passed away, as announced by Trump in a heartfelt message posted on X (formerly known as Twitter) late Tuesday. The cause of her death was not disclosed.

Amalija Knavs, described by Trump as a strong and dignified woman, was dedicated to her husband, daughters, grandson, and son-in-law. The Trump family expressed their deep sadness at her passing and vowed to honor and cherish her legacy.

Previously, during the presidency of Donald Trump, Amalija Knavs resided in New York with her husband, Viktor Knavs, and occasionally visited the White House. She notably attended a 2018 ceremony where her daughter launched the "Be Best" public awareness campaign aimed at assisting children.

President Donald Trump revealed that his mother-in-law had been battling serious illness, with Melania by her side at a hospital in Miami. Speaking at a New Year's Eve celebration at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, Trump shared the news of her deteriorating health.

In an emotional tribute on his new social media platform, Truth Social, Trump expressed his grief over the loss of Melania's "great and beautiful mother" and highlighted her exceptional qualities. He described her as an incredible woman whose absence would be felt deeply.

Melania Trump played a vital role in sponsoring her parents' immigration to the United States, culminating in their naturalization as citizens at a New York City courthouse in 2018, during Trump's presidency. The Knavses, who were Slovenian immigrants, had previously resided in the U.S. as permanent residents.

Amalija Knavs and her husband, Viktor, raised Melania, originally named Melanija, in the small industrial town of Sevnica while Slovenia was under Communist rule. Melania later pursued her education in Ljubljana, the Slovenian capital, before embarking on a successful modeling career in New York.

It was in New York that Melania met Donald Trump in 1998, and they tied the knot in 2005, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey together.

The Trump family and their extended circle of friends, as well as supporters, mourn the loss of Amalija Knavs and remember her as a devoted and remarkable woman whose memory will continue to live on.