Melania Trump Remembers Her Mother as a “Ray of Light” at Funeral Service: A Reflection on Amalija Knavs’ Life and Legacy
A Poignant Farewell
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 Melania Trump bid farewell to her beloved mother, Amalija Knavs, who passed away at the age of 78. The former first lady, known for her grace and composure, delivered a heartfelt eulogy that painted a vivid portrait of her mother’s unwavering love, resilience, and unwavering support.
In her moving tribute, Melania Trump described her mother as “a ray of light in the darkest of days,” a beacon of hope and strength that illuminated even the most challenging times. She spoke of the profound peace she found in her mother’s presence, a sanctuary where the world seemed to shimmer with radiance and joy. Their bond, she affirmed, was unbreakable, a testament to the enduring power of maternal love.
Melania Trump recounted cherished memories of family triumphs and trials, shared laughter during travels with her parents and sister, and conversations that flowed effortlessly with grace and charm. She recalled her mother’s unwavering support, celebrating their family’s achievements and standing steadfastly by their side during times of adversity.
The former first lady concluded her eulogy with a tender farewell, a plea for her mother to rest in peace, her voice filled with both sorrow and gratitude. As she stepped down from the pulpit, she approached her mother’s casket, her fingers grazing her lips before gently resting them upon it, a final touch imbued with love and reverence.
A Solemn Gathering
Among the attendees who arrived to pay their respects at the private service were Donald Trump’s children from previous marriages, Tiffany Trump and Ivanka Trump, accompanied by her husband, Jared Kushner. Notable political figures also graced the occasion, including Republican U.S. Senators Rick Scott of Florida and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina.
The church held a special significance for the Trump family, as it was the very place where Donald and Melania Trump exchanged vows in 2005, a union that unfolded amidst the grandeur of this sacred space. Amalija Knavs’ passing on January 9, 2024, following an undisclosed illness, cast a pall of grief over the family, prompting them to gather in solemn remembrance.
A Final Farewell
As the morning sun cast its warm glow upon the church, a hearse solemnly pulled up, followed by an SUV carrying the former president and first lady, accompanied by two additional vehicles with their Secret Service detail. Melania Trump, clad in a black dress and sunglasses, emerged from the vehicle, her father, Viktor Knavs, by her side, leading a somber procession towards the church. Donald Trump and their son, Barron, followed closely behind.
They paused on the steps of the church as the coffin, bearing Amalija Knavs’ earthly remains, was carefully lifted from the hearse and carried into the church, a poignant symbol of the finality of death.
After the deeply moving service, a priest solemnly waved an urn of incense as a man held aloft a cross, leading the procession as the coffin was carried out of the church. Melania Trump and her father walked behind, their heads bowed in sorrow, followed by Donald Trump and their son, Barron. The coffin was reverently placed back into the hearse, marking the conclusion of the funeral service.
The former president and first lady exchanged pleasantries with the priest, a brief moment of solace amidst the overwhelming grief. Donald Trump then escorted his wife to an SUV with her father, before boarding a separate vehicle, each bearing the weight of their loss in their hearts.
Amalija Knavs: A Life Remembered
During the Trump presidency, Amalija Knavs resided in New York with her husband, occasionally gracing the halls of the White House with her presence. In 2018, she attended a ceremony where Melania Trump unveiled her “Be Best” public awareness campaign, a testament to her unwavering support for her daughter’s initiatives.
Amalija Knavs’ life journey began in the rural industrial town of Sevnica, Slovenia, where she raised Melania and her older sister, Ines, during the era of Communist rule under Yugoslavia. She worked tirelessly as a textile worker and homemaker, while her husband diligently served as a chauffeur before venturing into the car dealership business.
Melania, born Melanija, attended high school in the Slovenian capital, Ljubljana, before embarking on a modeling career, which led her to change her name to Melania Knauss. In 1996, she settled in New York, where fate brought her together with Donald Trump in 1998, igniting a love story that would eventually lead to the White House.
A Legacy of Love and Support
Melania Trump displayed remarkable compassion in sponsoring her parents’ immigration to the United States, ensuring that they could share in the American dream. In 2018, they proudly became citizens at a New York City courthouse, a poignant moment that occurred during Donald Trump’s presidency. Their lawyer emphasized that they applied for citizenship independently and received no special treatment, underscoring the integrity of the process.
While the nation focused on the funeral service, Donald Trump was simultaneously engaged in a defamation trial in New York, where he faced a lawsuit filed by 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 the funeral, a request that was ultimately denied by the judge. Faced with the difficult choice of attending the funeral or continuing with the trial, Trump chose to skip the Thursday court session, prioritizing the solemn occasion of his mother-in-law’s farewell.
As the curtain fell on this chapter of the Trump family’s history, the memory of Amalija Knavs, a resilient and loving matriarch, will forever be etched in their hearts. Her unwavering support, unwavering love, and unwavering belief in her family’s potential served as a guiding light throughout their lives. Her legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire and uplift generations to come, a testament to the enduring power of a mother’s love.