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‘We will miss her beyond measure’: Melania Trump announces the death of her mother

Melania Trump
Melania Trump Imagen Content Services, LLC

Melania Trump is mourning the death of her mother, Amalija Knavs, 78.

The former first lady shared the sad news on X Tuesday night.

“It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of my beloved mother,” began the 53 year old’s post. “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.”

Knavs (née Ulcnik) was a onetime clothing factory worker in Slovenia, when it was still a republic in Yugoslavia, who later became a U.S. citizen. The mother of two (Melania has an older sister, Ines) lived at Mar a Lago with her husband Viktor.

READ MORE: See pictures of Melania Trump’s mother

The cause of death was not given, but the signs of her recently declining health were there.

After Melania Trump failed to show up to a New Year’s Eve party at the Palm Beach resort, sources told Fox News the reason was that the former model was tending to her ailing mom.

On Tuesday night, former President Donald Trump, paid homage on his social media site, Truth Social: “Melania’s great and beautiful mother, Amalija, has just gone to a beautiful place in the sky. She was an incredible woman, and will be missed far beyond words!”

Funeral services were not readily available.

Madeleine Marr
Miami Herald
Celebrity/real time news reporter Madeleine Marr has been with The Miami Herald since 2003. She has covered such features as travel, fashion and food. In 2007, she helped launch the newspaper’s daily People Page, attending red carpet events, awards ceremonies and press junkets; interviewing some of the biggest names in show business; and hosting her own online show. She is originally from New York City.
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