The family has announced the passing of Amalija Knavs, the mother of former First Lady Melania Trump, at the age of 78. President Donald Trump has expressed his admiration for his mother-in-law, describing her as an incredible woman.

“This is a very sad night for the entire Trump family!!!” the 45th president said.

“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!”

Later that day, he proceeded to post a picture of himself alongside Amalija. Melania, aged 53, had previously revealed the unfortunate news of her mother’s passing earlier in the day.

“It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of my beloved mother, Amalija,” she said.

Melania’s absence during the Christmas and New Year festivities at Mar-a-Lago was due to her devoted attention towards her mother, who was unwell.

“Amalija Knavs was a strong woman who always carried herself with grace, warmth, and dignity,” a statement reads.

“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.”

Melania did not disclose the cause of death, but President Trump mentioned on New Year’s Eve that his mother-in-law was seriously ill, which had a significant impact on the family. Knavs was born in 1945 in Judendorf-Strassengel, Austria, and later moved to Slovenia when it was still under communist rule.

During her humble upbringing, she spent her childhood harvesting onions on her family farm before finding employment at a textile factory, where she eventually met her husband, Viktor. In 1968, they welcomed their first daughter, Ines, who currently resides in Manhattan. Two years later, Melania was born, and she always expressed admiration for her hardworking mother. Both sisters relocated to Milan to pursue their modeling careers, and Melania made her first trip to the United States in 1996.

She obtained a green card in 2001 and became a naturalized citizen in 2006. The Knavs family then moved to the United States and supported Melania throughout her career, from modeling to her role in the East Wing.

After retiring, they primarily resided at their son-in-law’s luxurious Palm Beach Club.