Melania Trump’s mother, Amalija Knavs, has passed away at the age of 78.
The former First Lady confirmed the news with a statement saying, “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.”
The cause of death has yet to be disclosed, and Donald Trump did not provide any further details. Knavs’ health had been a concern, as Melania was absent from the family’s Christmas photo due to her mother’s hospitalization.
Born in Slovenia in 1945, Knavs worked at a textile factory where she met her husband, Viktor, and gave birth to Melania in 1970. The couple later moved to the United States and have been by Melania’s side throughout her career.
Trump confirmed his mother-in-law’s illness at his annual New Year’s Eve party at Mar-a-Lago. Speaking to a crowd of supporters, he expressed hope for Knavs’ recovery, saying, “It’s a tough one, a very tough one. Hopefully she’ll be recovering.”
The news of Knavs’ passing has left the Trump family in mourning. Donald Trump Jr.’s fiancé, Kimberly Guilfoyle, shared a family photo on Instagram the day after Christmas, including several members of the Trump family.
