"In Her Presence, the World Seemed to Shimmer": Melania Trump Delivers Eulogy at Mother Amalija Knavs' Funeral

Source: BBC

She said her mother always celebrated her family’s triumphs and supported them during difficult times. She also said that she would remember the laughter that accompanied travels with her mother, father, and sister and “conversations that flowed effortlessly with grace and charm.” “Rest in peace my beloved mother,” Melania said before stepping down from the pulpit. Then she stood in front of her mother’s casket, touched her fingers to her lips, and placed them on the casket.

Aside from the guests who arrived before the start of the private service for Knavs at The Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea were two of Donald Trump’s children from previous marriages, Tiffany Trump and Ivanka Trump; Ivanka Trump’s husband, Jared Kushner; and Republican U.S. Sens. Rick Scott of Florida and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina.

This is the church where Trump and his wife were married in 2005. Melania’s mother, Knavs died on Jan. 9 in Miami after an undisclosed illness. The sleek black hearse purred to a stop under the winter sun, casting a long shadow across the church steps. Out stepped Melania Trump, her black dress whispering against the wind, and her father, Viktor Knavs, his face etched with grief. 

Source: People

Behind them, Donald Trump and their son, Barron, emerged from an SUV, their shoulders slumped under the weight of their loss. Together, they walked towards the church. As the coffin was carried in, sunlight glinted off Melania's sunglasses, momentarily hiding the tears welling in her eyes.

After the funeral service, a priest waved an urn of incense, and a man held up a cross as the coffin was carried out of the church, followed by the former first lady and her father, and then Donald Trump and their son, Barron. After the coffin was placed in the hearse, Donald and Melania exchanged pleasantries with the priest. Donald Trump led his wife to an SUV with her father, Viktor Knavs and then he got into a separate vehicle.

If you don’t know, during the Trump presidency, the first lady’s mother lived in New York with her father and was occasionally spotted at the White House. Her mother Amalija Knavs was also at a 2018 ceremony where the first lady debuted her “Be Best” public awareness campaign to help children. 

According to Wikipedia, the Knavses raised the former first lady, born Melanija, and her older sister, Ines, in the rural industrial town of Sevnica while Slovenia was under Communist rule as part of Yugoslavia. Melania’s mother was a textile worker and homemaker, while her husband worked as a chauffeur before becoming a car dealer.

Melania Trump, 53, attended high school in the Slovenian capital, Ljubljana, and changed her name to Melania Knauss when she began her modeling career. Later in 1996 she settled in New York and met Trump in 1998. The two began dating, while the latter was in the process of divorcing his second wife, Marla Maples. Their divorce was finalized in 1999.

Donald’s current wife Melania then sponsored her parents’ immigration to the United States, and they ultimately became citizens at a New York City courthouse in 2018, while Trump was president. At the time, their lawyer stated that they applied for citizenship on their own and didn’t get any special treatment.

The ongoing defamation trial in New York, involving accusations made by former advice columnist E. Jean Carroll, continued this week with Donald Trump present in court. His lawyers had previously requested a one-day postponement to allow him to attend the funeral of his former mother-in-law, Amalija Knavs, however, the judge declined. As a result, Mr. Trump opted to attend the funeral on Thursday rather than the court session.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q. Where is Melania Trump's mother being buried?

On January 18, 2024, Melania Trump's mother, Amalija Knavs, was laid to rest in her home country of Slovenia following a funeral service held at the Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea in Palm Beach, Florida.

Q. Who attended Melania's mother's funeral?

The funeral for Melania Trump's mother, Amalija Knavs, was a private ceremony, but several notable figures were seen attending. Her family members include Amalija's son-in-law Donald Trump, grandson Barron Trump, her husband Viktor Knavs, and Donald's children Ivanka Trump, and Jared Kushner. Other attendees included  Donald's other daughter and fiancé Tiffany Trump and fiancé Michael Boulos, Don Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle, Donald's eldest son and his partner, and his second son and wife Eric and Lara Trump.

Q. What business does Melania Trump own?

As of January 2024, Melania Trump currently doesn’t own any active business. However, she previously owned a few businesses: In 2010 Trump launched her own line of jewelry. This line of affordable fashion jewelry and watches was sold on QVC, however eventually ceased operations in 2017. Melania also marketed a Melania Marks Skin Care Collection at high-end department stores. This skincare line was also launched in 2010. However, the licensing deals with manufacturers terminated in 2017. According to Trump’s May 2016 financial disclosure filing in 2016, her businesses brought in between US$15,000 and US$50,000 in royalties that year.

Q. How long has Trump been married to Melania?

As of today, January 2024, Donald Trump and Melania Trump have been married for 18 years. They tied the knot on January 22, 2005, at a lavish ceremony at Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida.

Q. Did Donald Trump attend Melania's mother's funeral?

Yes, Donald Trump did attend Melania's mother, Amalija Knavs', funeral on January 18, 2024. He was seen arriving at the Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea in Palm Beach, Florida, alongside Melania and other family members.

Q. What did Melania Trump do before she married Donald Trump?

Before Melania Trump married Donald, she worked as a fashion model through agencies in the European fashion capitals of Milan and Paris. After she moved to NYC in 1996, Melania continued her modeling career. Later in 2005, Trump married the real estate developer and TV personality Donald Trump.