Former First Lady Melania Trump gave a touching eulogy at her mother Amalija Knavs’ funeral.
On Thursday morning, Melania Trump, 53, who is the wife of former President Donald Trump, 77, honored her late mother in a speech at her funeral which took place at the Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea in Palm Beach, Florida.
“My mother, the epitome of elegance and grace, exemplified the essence of a true woman. Her love for her husband, Viktor, my father; Ines, my sister; and me was boundless,” she began, per Fox News. “Her nurturing spirit had no limits, creating a legacy that will last for generations.
She also spoke about Knavs’ role as a grandmother to her son, Barron, and said she “showered” him “with affection, illuminating his world with love, tender care, and unwavering devotion.”
“In her presence, we were enveloped in the warmth of her embrace. We will be forever grateful for the unparalleled affection she bestowed on us. She embodied the best mother, wife, grandmother, mother-in-law, a true beacon of love and luxury in our lives,” Melania Trump added.
She continued to praise her mother, calling her “a true inspiration” and a “role model” to her and “so many.”
During her speech, Melania Trump also revealed that her Austrian-born mother, who had the “privilege” of becoming a U.S. citizen, “executed an exquisite sense of pride as my husband became the President of the United States and as I embarked on a grand odyssey, traveling the corners of the globe as the first lady.”
She concluded:
“In her presence, the world seemed to shimmer with radiant joy. She was not just a friend, but a confidant. A ray of light in the darkest of days. In her company, I found peace knowing that she would always be there to listen. She celebrated our successes and provided unwavering support during chaotic times. Our bond was unbreakable. A testament to the power of a true love for one another. She was my dear friend. An irreplaceable treasure. A gift bestowed upon me by the universe. And for that, I am entirely grateful. Rest in peace, my beloved mommy.”
On Jan. 9, Melania Trump announced the news of her mother’s death in a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“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 wrote.
She continued, “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 was 78. Her cause of death has not been revealed.
This came after Donald Trump revealed that his mother-in-law’s health was declining to his guests during his New Year’s Eve party at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida.
“She’s right now in the hospital with her mother. Her mother Amalija is very ill but hopefully she’ll be recovering,” he told the crowd concerning his wife’s noticeable absence.
“Hopefully, that’ll be OK, but it’s a tough one, a very tough one,” he said.
