Amalija Knavs, the mother of former first lady Melania Trump, passed away at the age of 78 after battling an illness. Melania Trump, who is married to former US president Donald Trump, expressed her deep sadness in announcing her mother’s death. In a post on X, the social network formerly known as Twitter, Melania described Amalija as a strong woman who always carried herself with grace, warmth, and dignity.
“It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of my beloved mother, Amalija,” wrote Ms Trump. “Amalija Knavs was a strong woman who always carried herself with grace, warmth, and dignity. 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.”
Donald Trump also expressed his condolences on Truth Social, describing Amalija Knavs as an “incredible woman” and emphasizing the profound sadness felt by the entire Trump family.
Born in 1945, Amalija Knavs grew up in Slovenia during a tumultuous time, witnessing the country’s liberation from Nazi occupation and its annexation into the socialist republic of Yugoslavia. She and her husband Viktor raised Melania in Sevnica, where they lived in a state-run housing complex, and Amalija worked as a patternmaker at a children’s clothing factory.
Ultimately, both Viktor and Amalija Knavs joined their daughter in the United States, becoming citizens in 2018 in a special ceremony held in New York City.
