Who was Melania Trump’s mother Amalija Knavs?

Amalija Knavs, mother of former first lady Melania Trump, has died at 78. A devoted figure, her legacy spans continents.

Who was Amalija Knavs?

Amalija Knavs, the mother of former first lady Melania Trump, passed away at the age of 78. Melania Trump shared the news on her social media accounts, describing her mother as a strong woman who carried herself with grace, warmth, and dignity. Knavs’ death was confirmed by a campaign adviser for former President Donald Trump.

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Melania Trump expressed deep sadness, stating that her mother was entirely devoted to her family. Amalija and her husband, Viktor Knavs, were often seen in Washington after their son-in-law assumed the presidency in 2017. The retired couple maintained close ties with the Trump family, frequently joining them on trips to Mar-a-Lago and Bedminster, New Jersey.

Originally from Slovenia, formerly part of communist Yugoslavia, Amalija Knavs worked as a textile worker. The Knavses became US citizens controversially in 2018, obtaining citizenship through sponsorship by their adult daughter—a method criticized by Donald Trump himself.

The Knavses’ connection with the United States deepened when their grandson, Barron Trump, was born in 2006. While they owned a house in Sevnica, Slovenia, where Melania attended primary school, they spent most of their time in New York.

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Despite the controversial citizenship process, Amalija Knavs’ commitment to her family remained evident. Her passing marks the end of a chapter for the Trump family, prompting tributes from both Melania and Donald Trump, who referred to her as an “incredible woman” and mourned her departure to a “beautiful place in the sky.”

Amid the Trump family’s acknowledgment of their loss, details regarding the cause of Amalija Knavs’ death were not disclosed. As the family remembers her with reverence, her legacy resonates across continents, reflecting a life devoted to family and endured across various landscapes and cultures.