'DEEP SADNESS'
Amalija Knavs dead at 78: Melania Trump’s mother dies after daughter missed Christmas celebrations to be by her side
'You are her greatest legacy'
THE mother of former First Lady Melania Trump has died at 78, her heartbroken daughter confirmed.
Melania described her mom Amalija Knavs as a "strong woman who always carried herself with grace, warmth, and dignity."
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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."
Donald Trump also acknowledged the tragic death with a tender picture of the two on Truth Social.
"Melania's great mother, Amalija," he captioned a picture of the two grinning.
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.
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"Melania has always been very devoted to her entire family," the source told 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 to humble beginnings on July 9, 1945, in Austria and in Yugoslavia, which is now known as Slovenia.
Her father was a cobbler who went on to purchase an onion farm, where he would put Amalija to work.
Amalija's mother, meanwhile, was a homemaker and seamstress.
Melania's mom left the farm to get 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.
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 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.”
Melania has thanked both of her parents for influencing her success as a model and jewelry brand owner.
In a speech at the 2016 Republican National Convention, she said, "My elegant and hardworking mother Amalija introduced me to fashion and beauty.
“My father, Viktor, instilled in me a passion for business and travel.
"Their integrity, compassion, and intelligence reflect to this day on me and for my love of family and America.”
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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 with the help of Melania and Donald Trump.
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