Former First Lady Melania Trump provided some sad news Tuesday in revealing that her mother, Amalija Knavs, passed away at the age of 78.
“It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of my beloved mother, Amalija,” Trump wrote in an X post. “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.”
It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of my beloved mother, Amalija.
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…
— MELANIA TRUMP (@MELANIATRUMP) January 10, 2024
Former President Trump recently revealed that Knavs was “very ill” while addressing supporters on New Years Eve. “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.”
“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 continued.
Amalija Knavs, 78, and her father, Viktor Knavs, 79, have both been living at Mar-a-Lago in recent years, where her daughter and grandson, Barron Trump, also reside. The former first lady had been absent from a number of events in recent weeks while taking care of her mother.
The former first lady’s announcement with was met with condolences and offering of prayers across social media.
“Sending my condolences to the First Lady and her family,” wrote investigative reporter Laura Loomer. “The Trump family is in our thoughts and prayers.”
“So sad that President Trump was forced to be in court in DC today as opposed to being with his wife during this tragic time with the passing of his mother in law,” she added.
“Erika and I extend our deepest condolences to First Lady Melania Trump and her family as they mourn the death of her beloved mother,” said U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL). “Mrs. Trump was an incredible First Lady who carried herself with impeccable poise, character, and love—values that her mother undoubtedly passed down.
