THE mother of former First Lady Melania Trump has died at 78, the heartbroken daughter confirmed.
Melania described her mom Amalija Knavs as a “strong woman who always carried herself with grace, warmth, and dignity.”
GettyAmalija Knavs, seen walking with her daughter former first lady Melania Trump in 2018, has died at 78[/caption]
The heartbreaking announcement came after Melania missed the Trump family holiday celebration to care for her motherInstagram/kimberlyguilfoyle
Amalija and Viktor Knavs, seen in 2019, raised Melania in Yugoslavia, now known as SloveniaGetty
AP:Associated PressMelania has compared her parents to former President Donald Trump and said they taught her about the value of hard work[/caption]
Melania confirmed the tragic news in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.
She wrote, “It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of my beloved mother, Amalija.
“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.”
The announcement came after fans of the former first lady were concerned when she was missing from a family holiday picture.
But rumors were quickly dispelled after a spokesperson close to the former first lady confirmed she was caring for her ailing mother.
“Melania has always been very devoted to her entire family,” the source told Fox News at the time.
“It should be no surprise that she spent this Christmas with her ailing mother.”
Amalija’s cause of death has not been confirmed, but Trump said at a New Year’s Eve event in Mar a Lago that she was “very ill.”
“We just want to wish Amalija that she gets better as quickly as possible,” he said in the now-heartwrenching speech.
Tributes have started to pour out for Knavs as well-wishers encourage Melania to stay strong.
“My heart goes out to you Mrs. Trump, you will be in my prayers during this rough transition,” one follower wrote.
Others said they were praying for her peace and comfort after the tragic loss.
“My deepest sympathies to you and your family,” said a different supporter.
“You are her greatest legacy.”
HUMBLE ROOTS
Amalija was born in Austria where she grew up working on her family’s farm harvesting onions before moving to Yugoslavia, known today as Slovenia.
She then got a job as a patternmaker for a children’s clothing company, which is where she met her husband Viktor.
Viktor went on to be a chauffeur for a mayor until he became a salesman for a state-owned car manufacturer.
Eventually, Viktor changed jobs and became a salesman for a state-owned car manufacturer.
Melania was known to praise her father’s work ethic and her mother’s endless love and support after she took the White House in 2016.
“They’re both hardworking,” she told GQ in 2016.
“They’re both very smart and very capable. They grew up in totally different environments, but they have the same values, they have the same tradition.
“I myself am similar to my husband. Do you understand what I mean?
“So is my dad; he is a family man, he has tradition, he was hardworking. So is my husband.”
Before Amalija’s death, the pair moved to the US with Melania and were sometimes seen traveling with the former first family.
They both became naturalized citizens in August 2018.
AFPMelania, 53, has been supporting her husband as he campaigns for the 2024 presidential election[/caption]
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