Melania Trump pays tribute to late mother Amalija Knavs

Melania Trump broke her silence on social media to pay tribute to her late mother, Amalija Knavs.

“On behalf of my family, I would like to express our deepest gratitude for the love and support you have given us during this journey of loss and grief,” Melania, 53, wrote via Instagram on Sunday, January 21, next to a blank and white photo of Knavs. “We will cherish the wonderful memories of my beloved mother and hold her light in our hearts forever.”

The former first lady previously honored Knavs with an emotional eulogy during a funeral service on Thursday, January 18, held at the Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea in Palm Beach, Florida. She was accompanied by her husband at the funeral Donald Trumpson Baron Trump and father Victor 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 I were limitless,” Melania said in a video published by Fox News. “Her nurturing spirit knew no bounds and created a legacy that will last for generations.”

During her speech, Melania called her mother a “friend,” a “confidante” and “a bright spot in the darkest days.” She also noted that Amalija Barron, 17, “showered him with affection and lit up his world with love, tender care and unwavering devotion.”

Melania announced that her mother passed away earlier this month. She was 78.

“It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of my beloved mother Amalija,” she wrote via X. “Amalija Knavs was a strong woman who always carried herself with grace, warmth and dignity. She was completely devoted to her husband, daughters, grandson and son-in-law. We will miss her dearly and continue to honor and love her legacy.”

The former president, 77, noted on social media that it was “a very sad night” for his wife and their family, calling his mother-in-law “an incredible woman” who will be “missed far beyond words! ”

In December 2023, Donald revealed that Amalija was “very sick” while explaining why Melania did not attend his New Year's Eve party at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida. In social media footage from the event, Donald told attendees that his wife was “in a hospital with her mother” and noted that the holidays had been “very hard” on his family.

“[Melania] sends her love to everyone, and she probably knows about 95 percent of it [the] people in the room,” he added. “And we just want to wish Amalija that she gets better as soon as possible.” Amalija's cause of death has not been announced.