Melania Trump was nowhere to be seen during Donald Trump’s Christmas celebrations at Mar-a-Lago in 2023. But the presidential candidate made no big deal about it. During a New Year’s Eve speech, he told attendees that his mother-in-law, Amalija Knavs, had been sick. “Melania — great First Lady, so popular, the people love her — she’s now in a hospital with her mother,” he said in a clip recorded by a guest (via Newsweek). “Her mother, Amalija, is very ill, but hopefully she’ll be recovering.”
Before Trump’s address, a source close to Melania also played down her absence, noting nothing else should be expected from her. “Melania has always been very devoted to her entire family,” the insider told Fox News. “It should be no surprise that she spent this Christmas with her ailing mother.” Donald and the unnamed friend weren’t exaggerating that Knavs’ condition was serious. Melania’s mother died at 78 in early January 2024. “We will miss her beyond measure and continue to honor and love her legacy,” Melania shared on X.
Melania hasn’t handled Amalija’s death well. When she turned 53 on April 26, 2024, the former first lady opted to forgo the festivities as she continued to grieve. “She is still suffering the loss of her mother and this birthday is difficult in that respect,” a source told People. Instead, she reportedly planned to stay in and celebrate with her father, Viktor Knavs, and son, Barron Trump.
