Melania Trump shared the sad news of her mother, Amalija Knavs, passing away at the age of 78 on January 9, 2024. In addition to Melania, Amalija is survived by her other daughter, Ines Knauss. Melania, via X (formerly known as Twitter), released a heartfelt statement announcing the news. She described Amalija as a strong woman who always carried herself with grace, warmth, and dignity, expressing deep devotion to her family. Melania mentioned missing her greatly and pledged to honor and love her legacy. The statement did not provide details on the cause of Amalija’s death.
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
News of Amalija’s health decline surfaced when Melania was noticeably absent from the Trump family’s 2023 Mar-a-Lago Christmas festivities and their holiday card. An insider revealed to Fox News that Melania spent the holiday with her mother. Former President Donald Trump confirmed her declining health during the 2023 New Year’s Eve Bash at Mar-a-Lago, explaining Melania’s absence as she cared for her mother in Miami.
Amalija Knavs and her husband, Viktor Knavs, met in 1966 in their small town of Sevnica, Slovenia. Viktor was a mayor’s driver, while Amalija worked at a children’s clothing factory. Their financial situation improved when Viktor secured a better job as a car salesman.
According to Melania’s childhood friend, Nena Bedek, Melania was closer to her mother than her father due to Viktor’s frequent absences. Amalija, Melania, and Ines shared a love for fashion, with Amalija always adorning herself in the finest clothes, even during challenging financial times. Melania would sketch her dream clothes, and Amalija, drawing on her factory experience, turned those designs into reality.
The Knavs family visited the US in 2004 and gained US citizenship in 2018 through family-based immigration. Despite their travels with the Trumps, they maintained ties to Sevnica, visiting yearly and retaining ownership of their first home. The family’s close bond and Amalija’s influence on Melania’s fashion choices remained a significant part of their story.
