NPR News

Former first lady Melania Trump's mother has died

By Ayana Archie

Published January 10, 2024 at 1:23 AM EST

Amalija Knavs, mother of first lady Melania Trump, walks on the South Lawn at the White House in Washington, June 18, 2017. Knavs has died, according to an announcement by Trump late Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024.

Former First Lady Melania Trump's mother has died, Trump announced Tuesday.

"It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of my beloved mother, Amalija," Trump posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

"Amalija Knavs was a strong woman who always carried herself with grace, warmth, and dignity. She was entirely devoted to her husband, daughters, grandson, and son-in-law. We will miss her beyond measure and continue to honor and love her legacy," she added.

It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of my beloved mother, Amalija.

Amalija Knavs was a strong woman who always carried herself with grace, warmth, and dignity. She was entirely devoted to her husband, daughters, grandson, and son-in-law. We will miss her beyond…
— MELANIA TRUMP (@MELANIATRUMP) January 10, 2024

Knavs and her husband Victor, natives of Slovenia, obtained U.S. citizenship in 2018, through a path known as family-based immigration, which makes it easier for relatives of U.S. citizens to obtain their own citizenship.