Amalija Knavs, mother of Melania Trump, dies at 78
Amalija Knavs (Getty Images)
Amalija Knavs, mother of the former U.S. First Lady, passed away at the age of 78. She was from Slovenia and used to work in a factory. She became a U.S. citizen with the help of her daughter Melania Trump, according to The New York Times.
Melania Trump announced her mother's death without mentioning the cause.
It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of my beloved mother, Amalija.
— MELANIA TRUMP (@MELANIATRUMP) January 10, 2024
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…
Former President Donald J. Trump mentioned during a New Year’s Eve party that Mrs. Knavs was very ill, and Melania was with her in a Miami hospital. He expressed sorrow on social media, praising Mrs. Knavs as an incredible woman.
Amalija, born in Austria in 1945, worked on her family's farm and later at a children’s clothing factory. She played a significant role in Melania's life, sewing clothes and inspiring her daughter's interest in fashion. “My elegant and hardworking mother Amalija introduced me to fashion and beauty,” she said.
Amalija's family includes her husband, Melania, their daughter Ines, and grandson Barron Trump.
Amalija and her husband Viktor became U.S. citizens in 2018, with Melania sponsoring their green card process. Trump had criticized this process earlier as "chain migration." The couple had lived in Trump Tower and spent time at the White House and Mar-a-Lago.
Melania Trump also had her immigration journey, receiving an EB-1 visa in 2001 for her modeling career. She married Donald Trump in 2005 and became a U.S. citizen the following year.
We also reported "Friends" star Matthew Perry passed away at 54 and renowned TV producer Norman Lear, known for sitcoms such as “All in the Family” and “The Jeffersons,” passed away at 101 in his Los Angeles home on December 5.
