Amalija Knavs, mother of former First Lady Melania Trump, has died at the age of 78, according to a social media statement from Melania Trump. The former First Lady described her mother as a “strong woman” with “grace, warmth, and dignity,” and stated that her family will deeply miss her while continuing to honor her memory.
The cause of Knavs’ death has not been disclosed. Reports indicate that she had been unwell for some time. Last week, guests at a New Year’s Eve party were informed by Donald Trump that Melania Trump was at a Miami, Florida hospital with her ailing mother.
Amalija Knavs was born in Slovenia in 1945, during the time it was part of Communist Yugoslavia. She was employed as a pattern maker in a textile factory and was married to Viktor Knavs, a car salesman. The couple raised their daughter, Melania, in the rural, industrial town of Sevnica. Melania, born Melania Knavs, adopted the name Knauss when she started her modeling career.
Melania Trump’s close relationship with her Slovenian mother was highlighted by Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, a former senior aide to Melania. Wolkoff, the author of “Melania and Me,” recounted Melania Trump’s dedication to her parents’ care and sent her prayers for Amalija.
The Knavs family immigrated to the United States, establishing themselves as permanent residents before gaining U.S. citizenship in 2018, sponsored by Melania Trump. Their citizenship process, occurring during Donald Trump’s presidency, spurred conversations due to his criticism of the family reunification process, commonly referred to as “chain migration.”
Amalija and Viktor Knavs led a quiet life in Mar-a-Lago, Florida, a shift from their daughter’s highly public role during the Trump administration. Melania Trump began her journey to the United States in 1996, settling in New York. She met businessman Donald Trump in 1998 and became his third wife in 2005. Her journey from Slovenia to the United States and her role as First Lady have attracted public attention, weaving her personal story into the wider narrative of immigration and American politics.
The death of Amalija Knavs on January 9 marks the conclusion of her story as an immigrant mother who witnessed her daughter’s ascent in American society. Her narrative, from a Slovenian textile worker to the mother of the First Lady of the United States, intersects with significant historical and political events. The Knavs family has not released additional details about Amalija Knavs’ passing at this time.
