Melania Trump broke her social media silence to pay tribute to her late mother, Amalija Knavs.
“On behalf of my family, I would like to extend our deepest gratitude for the love and support that you have showered upon us throughout this journey of loss and grief,” Melania, 53, wrote by way of Instagram on Sunday, January 21, alongside a blank-and-white picture of Knavs. “We will cherish the beautiful memories of my beloved mother, and forever keep her light in our hearts.”
The former first girl beforehand honored Knavs with an emotional eulogy throughout a funeral service on Thursday, January 18, which was held on the Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea in Palm Beach, Florida. She was joined on the funeral by husband Donald Trump, son Barron Trump and pa Viktor Knavs.
“My mother, the epitome of elegance and grace, exemplified the essence of a true woman. Her love for her husband, Viktor, my father, Ines [Knauss], my sister, and me was boundless,” Melania mentioned per a video printed by Fox News. “Her nurturing spirit had no limits, creating a legacy that will last for generations.”
Melania referred to as her mother a “friend,” a “confidant” and “a ray of light in the darkest of days” throughout her speech. She additionally famous that Amalija “showered” Barron, 17, “with affection, illuminating his world with love, tender care and unwavering devotion.”
Melania introduced that her mom died earlier this month. She was 78.
“It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of my beloved mother, Amalija,” she wrote by way of X. “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 measure and continue to honor and love her legacy.”
The former president, 77, took to social media to observe that it was “a very sad night” for his spouse and their household, and referred to as his mother-in-law “an incredible woman” who shall be “missed far beyond words!”
In December 2023, Donald revealed that Amalija was “very ill” whereas addressing why Melania was not in attendance at his New Year’s Eve get together at his Mar-a-Lago membership in Florida. In social media footage from the occasion, Donald informed attendees that his spouse was “in a hospital with her mother” and famous that the vacation season had been “very tough” for his household.
“[Melania] sends her love to everybody, and she knows probably about 95 percent of [the] people in the room,” he added. “And we just want to wish Amalija that she gets better as quickly as possible.” Amalija’s reason behind demise has not been revealed.