On Tuesday, January 9, 2024, former first lady Melania Trump took to Twitter to announce the death of her mother, Amalija Knavs, at age 78. Her cause of death is unknown at this time. It is known that she was recently battling some sort of illness. Because of this, Melania was absent from her family’s Christmas and New Year’s celebrations.
Amalija was born in Judendorf-Strassengel, Austria, on July 9, 1945. She worked in a children’s clothing factory in Slovenia. In 1966, she met a handsome chauffeur, Viktor Knavs, and later married him. Melania’s parents became American citizens in 2018.
"It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of my beloved mother, Amalija," Melania revealed on X. "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.”
Former President Donald Trump addressed Melania’s recent absence from holiday gatherings during New Year's Eve at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida. "Melania — great first lady, so popular, the people love her — she's now in a hospital with her mother. Her mother, Amalija, is very ill, but hopefully she'll be recovering,” he said to party guests.
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Donald hoped for a different outcome for his mother-in-law. "But she's been very ill, so I just want to say 'hello' to the first lady — we just spoke, down in Miami, great hospital — and hopefully they'll be OK. But it's a tough one, it's a very tough one. She knows probably about 95% of the people in this room. We just want to wish Amalija that she gets better as quickly as possible,” he concluded.
Melania appeared to be very close with her parents. Amalija and Viktor lived part time at the White House during Donald’s presidency. They attended many important events for the politician. More recently, they lived at Mar-a-Lago with Donald and Melania.
Amalija was a devoted grandma often stepping in to care for former first son Barron. A source confirmed this to People. "There have been times when Barron has been with his grandparents more than with Melania, and a lot more than with Donald,” they stated.
Donald also took to social media to mourn his mother-in-law. “This is a very sad night for the entire Trump family!!!” He posted on his own site, Truth Social. “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!”
