In Memory of Amalija Knavs: A Life Remembered with Love and Gratitude
A Farewell to a Beloved Matriarch:
On a somber Thursday in 2024, the Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea in Palm Beach, Florida, bore witness to a poignant gathering as former First Lady Melania Trump bid farewell to her beloved mother, Amalija Knavs. The church, a place of significance where Melania and former President Donald Trump exchanged their wedding vows in 2005, now served as a sanctuary of remembrance and reflection for the Knavs family and esteemed guests.
As mourners arrived, a sense of solemnity filled the air. Among those in attendance were Tiffany Trump and Ivanka Trump, Donald Trump’s children from previous marriages, accompanied by Ivanka’s husband, Jared Kushner. Republican U.S. Senators Rick Scott of Florida and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina also paid their respects, their presence a testament to the esteem in which Amalija Knavs was held.
The church, bathed in the soft morning light, provided a serene backdrop for the private service honoring Amalija Knavs’ life. At midmorning, a hearse solemnly pulled up in front of the church, followed by an SUV carrying the former president and first lady and two other vehicles with their Secret Service detail.
Dressed in a black dress and sunglasses, Melania Trump, accompanied by her father, Viktor Knavs, led a somber procession up to the church, followed by the former president and their son, Barron. Their collective footsteps echoed in the hushed silence as they approached the church, their hearts heavy with grief.
As the coffin was carefully lifted from the hearse and carried into the church, a palpable sense of loss washed over those present. The church doors closed behind them, sealing the congregation in a private space of mourning and remembrance.
A Journey of Love and Resilience:
Amalija Knavs’ life journey began in the rural industrial town of Sevnica, Slovenia, where she raised Melania and her older sister, Ines, amidst the backdrop of Communist rule as part of Yugoslavia. With unwavering dedication, Amalija worked as a textile worker and homemaker, while her husband, Viktor Knavs, diligently served as a chauffeur before venturing into car dealership.
Melania, born Melanija, attended high school in the Slovenian capital, Ljubljana, and embarked on a modeling career, adopting the name Melania Knauss. In 1996, she settled in New York, where destiny brought her path to intersect with Donald Trump in 1998.
Melania, driven by her love for her parents, sponsored their immigration to the United States. In 2018, during Trump’s presidency, Amalija and Viktor Knavs proudly became citizens at a New York City courthouse, a testament to their unwavering commitment to their adopted homeland.
A Legacy of Unwavering Love and Support:
During the Trump presidency, Amalija Knavs resided in New York with her husband, occasionally gracing the White House with her presence. Her unwavering support for her daughter, Melania, was evident in her attendance at the 2018 ceremony where the first lady unveiled her “Be Best” public awareness campaign, aimed at fostering the well-being of children.
As the day drew to a close, the church doors opened once more, releasing the mourners into the fading sunlight. Each carried with them the memory of Amalija Knavs, a woman who had touched their lives with her unwavering love, resilience, and unwavering spirit.
A Final Farewell:
Amidst the outpouring of grief, Donald Trump chose to honor his mother-in-law’s memory by attending her funeral rather than continuing his presence at the defamation trial in New York, where he faced accusations of publicly disparaging former advice columnist E. Jean Carroll. His decision to prioritize the funeral over the trial spoke volumes about the depth of his respect and affection for Amalija Knavs.
In the days and weeks that followed, the Knavs family and their loved ones sought solace in the cherished memories of Amalija Knavs. Her unwavering love, unwavering support, and indomitable spirit continued to inspire them, serving as a beacon of light in their darkest moments.
A Life Well-Lived:
As time gently heals the wounds of their loss, the legacy of Amalija Knavs will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Her unwavering dedication to family, unwavering resilience, and unwavering spirit will continue to inspire generations to come.
Call to Action:
Amalija Knavs’ life was a testament to the enduring power of love, resilience, and unwavering spirit. Let us honor her memory by cherishing the bonds we share with our loved ones and by striving to make a positive impact on the world, just as she did.