Melania Trump's 'deep grief' as her mom who was 'devoted to her' dies

Melania Trump’s beloved mother dies after a recent health battle that happened over Christmas. Her mom, Amalija Knavs, passed away at the age of 78.

Former President of the United States, Donald Trump, had previously hinted towards his mother-in-law’s ill health during New Year’s celebrations, announcing that Melania was in hospital with her “very ill” mother in Miami.

Melania Trump shares ‘deep sadness’ as she announces the passing of her mother

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, the former First Lady of the United States announced the death of her beloved mother. In a statement she said: “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 wrote. “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.”

Although her cause of death was not revealed, it was understood Amalija had been “very ill” during the past few weeks, explaining Melania’s absence from the Christmas photo.

Donald Trump, also posted about the tragic loss on his own social media site, Truth Social.

He wrote: “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!” (via The Independent).

The Trumps were very close to Melania’s mother, who lived in the upper floors of the White House during part of Trump’s presidency, alongside her husband, and Melania’s father, Viktor Knavs. During the most part of the presidency, the two resided in New York.

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

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Amalija leaves behind her husband and two children

As well as her husband and 53-year-old daughter Melania, Amalija also leaves behind her eldest daughter, Ines Knauss.

Viktor and Amalija Knavs were sworn in as US citizens in 2018, taking the citizenship oath at a private ceremony in New York City.

Previously, they had been living in the country as permanent residents, after raising their children in the rural industrial town of Sevnica while Slovenia was under communist rule.