A Solemn Farewell: Melania Trump Bids Adieu to Her Beloved Mother, Amalija Knavs
In a somber and poignant ceremony, former First Lady Melania Trump paid tribute to her mother, Amalija Knavs, who passed away on January 9, 2024, at the age of 78. The Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea in Palm Beach, Florida, hosted the private funeral service, where Melania Trump delivered a heartfelt eulogy, describing her mother as “a ray of light in the darkest of days.”
A Mother’s Love and Support: A Guiding Force Through Life’s Journey
Melania Trump spoke of the unbreakable bond she shared with her mother and the unwavering support she received throughout her life. She recalled cherished memories of laughter, grace, and charm during family travels, highlighting the wisdom and love that flowed effortlessly in their conversations.
With emotion in her voice, Melania Trump emphasized her mother’s unwavering support during both joyous triumphs and challenging times, celebrating achievements and standing firmly by the family in times of difficulty.
A Final Farewell: A Procession Steeped in Grief and Remembrance
As the funeral service commenced, distinguished guests arrived at the church, including Donald Trump’s children from previous marriages, Tiffany and Ivanka Trump, as well as political figures such as Republican U.S. Senators Rick Scott and Lindsey Graham. The hearse carrying Amalija Knavs’ coffin pulled up, followed by an SUV carrying the former president and first lady, accompanied by their Secret Service detail.
Melania Trump, clad in a black dress and sunglasses, led the procession up to the church, joined by her father, Viktor Knavs, her husband, Donald Trump, and their son, Barron. The family watched solemnly as the coffin was carried into the church.
A Mother’s Legacy: A Life Marked by Resilience and Love
During the Trump presidency, Amalija Knavs resided in New York alongside her husband, making occasional visits to the White House. She attended the unveiling of Melania Trump’s “Be Best” public awareness campaign, aimed at promoting children’s well-being.
Amalija Knavs, a textile worker and homemaker, and her husband, a chauffeur turned car dealer, raised Melania and her older sister, Ines, in the rural industrial town of Sevnica, Slovenia, during the Communist era. Melania Trump, born Melanija, attended high school in Ljubljana, the Slovenian capital, and later adopted the name Melania Knauss as she pursued a modeling career, eventually settling in New York in 1996, where she met Donald Trump in 1998.
A Family United in Grief: A Farewell Amidst Legal Battles
Melania Trump played a pivotal role in sponsoring her parents’ immigration to the United States, and they became citizens at a New York City courthouse in 2018, during Donald Trump’s presidency. Their lawyer maintained that they applied for citizenship independently and received no special treatment.
Amidst the mourning, Donald Trump faced an ongoing defamation trial in New York, where he was embroiled in a legal battle with former advice columnist E. Jean Carroll, who accused him of rape. Trump’s lawyers had requested a delay in the trial to allow him to attend his mother-in-law’s funeral, but the judge denied the request.
Trump prioritized the funeral over the trial, skipping Thursday’s court session, as the trial was scheduled to be in recess on Friday.
A Final Farewell: A Mother Laid to Rest, Memories Enshrined
Following the funeral service, a priest waved an urn of incense, and a cross was held aloft as the coffin was carried out of the church. Melania Trump and her father walked behind the coffin, followed by Donald Trump and their son, Barron. The coffin was reverently placed in the hearse, and the former president and first lady exchanged pleasantries with the priest.
Donald Trump escorted his wife to an SUV alongside her father, while he boarded a separate vehicle. The passing of Amalija Knavs marked a profound loss for the Trump family. As they bid farewell to their beloved matriarch, they carried with them the cherished memories of a life well-lived, a life characterized by love, resilience, and unwavering support.
Call to Action: Share your thoughts and memories of Amalija Knavs in the comments section below. Let us celebrate the life of this remarkable woman who touched the hearts of so many.