Former First Lady Melania Trump’s mother Amalija Knavs has died at 78.
On Tuesday, Melania Trump, 53, who is the wife of former President Donald Trump, announced the news of her mother’s death in a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of my beloved mother, Amalija,” she wrote. “Amalija Knavs was a strong woman who always carried herself with grace, warmth, and dignity.”
It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of my beloved mother, Amalija.
— MELANIA TRUMP (@MELANIATRUMP) January 10, 2024
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 added, “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.”
Her cause of death has not been revealed.
This came after Donald Trump, 77, revealed that his mother-in-law’s health was failing during his New Year’s Eve party at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida.
“She’s right now in the hospital with her mother. Her mother Amalija is very ill but hopefully she’ll be recovering,” he told the crowd concerning his wife’s whereabouts.
He also noted that she was with her mother who was admitted into a “great hospital” in Miami.
“Hopefully, that’ll be OK, but it’s a tough one, a very tough one,” he shared.
According to The Washington Post, Melania Trump’s absence from the family’s holiday festivities, as well as their Christmas photo has been noticeable.
President Trump at Mar-a-Lago on New Year's Eve 2023! pic.twitter.com/YmUSIJ8QHI
— Shannon Ford 🇺🇸 (@shannonfordUSA) January 1, 2024
In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, a source close to Melania explained why she was absent from the Trump family’s Christmas celebration.
“Melania has always been very devoted to her entire family,” the source explained. “It should be no surprise that she spent this Christmas with her ailing mother.”
In a statement to People, a source close to the family spoke about Melania Trump’s close relationship with her mother.
“[Amalija] has an excellent relationship with Melania and with Barron. They love her. She is unselfish and takes care of the family,” the source said.
The source continued, “Melania has always been super good with her mom as well as Barron.”