Former First Lady Melania Trump Remembers Mother as “A Ray of Light” at Funeral Service
PALM BEACH, Fla. – Former First Lady Melania Trump bid a tearful farewell to her beloved mother, Amalija Knavs, during a moving funeral service held at The Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea, a stone’s throw from the family’s Mar-a-Lago estate. The service, attended by close family and friends, was a solemn occasion marked by heartfelt eulogies, prayers, and a profound sense of loss.
A Ray of Light in the Darkest of Days
In a eulogy that captured the essence of her mother’s life and the unbreakable bond they shared, Melania Trump described Amalija Knavs as “a ray of light in the darkest of days.” She spoke of the unwavering support, unconditional love, and constant presence that her mother provided throughout her life, creating an aura of radiance and joy.
With her husband, former President Donald Trump, seated nearby, Melania Trump recalled the laughter, travels, and intimate conversations that filled their family moments. She remembered her mother’s ability to effortlessly exude grace and charm, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew her.
As she concluded her eulogy, Melania Trump bid farewell to her beloved mother, her voice laden with emotion. With tears in her eyes, she stepped down from the pulpit, approached her mother’s casket, and gently touched it with her lips, a final gesture of love and remembrance.
A Life of Resilience and Love
Amalija Knavs was born in Sevnica, Slovenia, during a time when the country was under Communist rule as part of Yugoslavia. She grew up in a rural industrial town, where she worked as a textile worker and homemaker. Her husband, Viktor Knavs, was a chauffeur before becoming a car dealer.
Together, they raised Melania and her older sister, Ines, instilling in them strong values and a sense of resilience. Despite the challenges of living under Communist rule, Amalija Knavs created a warm and loving home for her family.
In 1996, Melania Knavs, who had changed her name to Melania Knauss, moved to New York to pursue a modeling career. She met Donald Trump in 1998, and they were married in 2005.
As First Lady, Melania Trump often spoke about her close relationship with her mother. She sponsored her parents’ immigration to the United States, and they became citizens in 2018.
Amalija Knavs’ passing leaves a void in the Trump family, but her memory will continue to live on through the love and cherished memories she left behind.
Donald Trump Attends Funeral Despite Ongoing Defamation Trial
Donald Trump’s presence at his mother-in-law’s funeral came amid an ongoing defamation trial in New York, where he is facing a lawsuit filed by former advice columnist E. Jean Carroll. Carroll has accused Trump of raping her in the 1990s, which he vehemently denies.
Trump’s lawyers had requested a delay in the trial to allow him to attend the funeral, but the request was denied by the judge. Trump chose to skip Thursday’s court session rather than miss the funeral or move it to Friday, when the trial is not scheduled to be in session.
The defamation trial is expected to continue in the coming days, with Trump expected to testify in his own defense.
A Lasting Legacy
Amalija Knavs’ life was marked by resilience, love, and unwavering devotion to her family. Her memory will be cherished by her daughter, Melania Trump, her son-in-law, former President Donald Trump, her grandson, Barron Trump, and countless others who were touched by her grace and kindness.
As the Trump family grieves the loss of their beloved matriarch, they find solace in the knowledge that her spirit will continue to shine brightly in their hearts.