Former first lady Melania Trump delivered a heartfelt eulogy for her late mother, Amalija Knavs, at her funeral on Thursday morning in Palm Beach, Florida.
Melania Trump highlighted her mother’s legacy as a Slovenian American woman. Knavs died on Jan. 9 at the age of 78 and is survived by her husband, Victor, her two daughters, and her grandson, Barron Trump.
“My mother, the epitome of elegance and grace, exemplified the essence of a true woman,” Melania Trump said in her tribute. “Her nurturing spirit had no limits, creating a legacy that will last for generations. She showered her grandson, Barron, with affection, illuminating his world with love, tender care, and unwavering devotion. She embodied the best mother, wife, grandmother, mother-in-law, a true beacon of love and luxury in our lives.”
The former first lady spoke about her mother’s lawful immigration to the United States, which took place in 2018, and her dedication to inspire other people.
“With each step she took, she embraced the privilege bestowed upon her and, in time, the privilege of becoming a U.S. citizen. She vowed to contribute to make a difference in the world,” Melania Trump said of her mother. “Filled with uncertainty, she knew 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.”
Former President Donald Trump attended the funeral service but did not give a eulogy. He did honor his late mother-in-law, however, in his victory speech following the Iowa caucuses.
“I think most importantly, I want to thank my incredible wife, first lady, I’ll say former and maybe future, but more important than Melania, I want to thank her incredible, beautiful mother who passed away a few days ago,” the former president said. “And she’s up there, way up there. She’s looking down, and she’s so proud of us. And I just want to say to Amalija, you are special, one of the most special people I’ve ever known. And that was a tough period of time for the family. But she — she’s amazing. She was amazing.”
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Other members of the Trump family were also at the service on Thursday, including Barron Trump, Ivanka Trump, Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump, and Tiffany Trump, along with their spouses. The service was held at the same place where Donald Trump and Melania Trump had their wedding in 2005.
Melania Trump sponsored her parents’ immigration to the U.S., which took place at a New York courthouse. The couple most recently lived with her and Donald Trump at their Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach. But they resided in New York during the presidency.