Melania Trump Remembers Her Mother: A Ray of Light
A Eulogy Steeped in Love and Loss
In a poignant display of grief and gratitude, former First Lady Melania Trump delivered a heartfelt eulogy at the funeral service of her mother, Amalija Knavs, held at The Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea, near the family’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida. With her husband, former President Donald Trump, seated nearby, Melania Trump painted a vivid portrait of her mother as a beacon of light, a source of unwavering support, and an anchor of peace in the storms of life.
Every word, every inflection, bore witness to the profound bond they shared, a bond that transcended time and circumstance. Melania Trump recounted cherished memories of laughter-filled travels and effortless conversations with her mother, father, and sister, highlighting the unwavering support Amalija Knavs provided during both triumphant and trying times.
“In her presence, the world seemed to shimmer with radiance and joy,” Melania Trump said, her voice thick with emotion. “Our bond was unbreakable.”
The former first lady concluded her eulogy with a poignant farewell, saying, “Rest in peace, my beloved mother,” before gently touching her fingers to her lips and placing them on her mother’s casket, a tender gesture that spoke volumes about the depth of her love.
A Family’s Farewell Amidst Loss
Prior to the private service, guests began arriving at the church, including Tiffany Trump and Ivanka Trump, Donald Trump’s children from previous marriages, along with Ivanka Trump’s husband, Jared Kushner. Republican U.S. Senators Rick Scott of Florida and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina also paid their respects. The church holds a special significance for the Trump family, as it was the site of their wedding in 2005.
Amalija Knavs passed away on January 9th in Miami after battling an undisclosed illness. As the funeral procession arrived at the church, a hearse carrying Knavs’ coffin was followed by an SUV transporting the former president and first lady, along with two other vehicles carrying their Secret Service detail. Melania Trump and her father, Viktor Knavs, led the procession up to the church, followed by Donald Trump and their son, Barron.
After the service, a priest waved an urn of incense, and a man held up a cross 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. Once the coffin was placed in the hearse, the former president and first lady exchanged pleasantries with the priest before departing, leaving behind a church steeped in both sorrow and remembrance.
Amalija Knavs: A Life Remembered
During her time as First Lady, Amalija Knavs resided in New York with her husband, Viktor Knavs, occasionally making appearances at the White House. She was present at a 2018 ceremony where Melania Trump launched her “Be Best” public awareness campaign aimed at helping children. Her presence was a testament to her unwavering support for her daughter and her commitment to making a positive impact on the world.
Amalija Knavs and her husband, Viktor Knavs, raised Melania, born Melanija, and her older sister, Ines, in the rural industrial town of Sevnica in Slovenia, during the country’s Communist rule as part of Yugoslavia. Amalija Knavs worked as a textile worker and homemaker while her husband worked as a chauffeur before becoming a car dealer. They instilled in their daughters a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for family and tradition.
Melania Trump, now 53 years old, attended high school in the Slovenian capital, Ljubljana, and changed her name to Melania Knauss when she began her modeling career. She moved to New York in 1996 and met Donald Trump in 1998. Their paths intertwined, leading to a marriage that brought them together as a family and ultimately to the highest office in the land.
Melania Trump sponsored 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 stated that they applied for citizenship on their own and did not receive any special treatment. Their journey to the United States was a testament to their determination and their unwavering belief in the American Dream.
While Donald Trump attended a defamation trial in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday to determine the amount he owes former advice columnist E. Jean Carroll for publicly disparaging her after she accused him of rape, he chose to miss Thursday’s court session to attend his mother-in-law’s funeral. His lawyers had requested a one-day delay in the trial to allow him to attend the funeral, but the request was denied. Ultimately, he prioritized his family’s grief over his legal battle, demonstrating the depth of his commitment to those he loves.
As the curtain falls on this chapter of the Trump family’s story, the legacy of Amalija Knavs will live on in the hearts of her loved ones. Her unwavering love, her unwavering support, and her unwavering belief in the power of family will continue to guide them in the years to come.