Melania Trump Says Her Late Mom Moved from Slovenia to Be Close to Barron: ‘She Was a Second Mother’

Mar. 15, 2025

Melania Trump; Amalija Knavs.Photo:Chip Somodevilla/Getty; ERIC BARADAT/AFP via Getty

Chip Somodevilla/Getty; ERIC BARADAT/AFP via Getty

Melania Trumpreflected on the loss of her motherAmalija Knavsduring a rare, sit-downinterviewwith Fox News Channel’s Ainsley Earhardt.The former first lady, 54, opened up to Earhardt about hermother’s death in January, describing the loss as “a moment that nobody prepares you [for].““It’s a grief that comes in waves and you need to feel it,” Melania remarked. “You need to have that inner peace to go with it, to feel it, to experience it.“The longtime wife of Republican presidential nomineeDonald Trumpthanked her supporters who sent “beautiful letters, beautiful prayers, very kind notes” after her mother’s death, adding, “Thank you to everybody who, who wrote me, who thought about me and my family and was really deeply appreciate it,” during the segment on Fox News.Former first lady Melania Trump at the funeral of her mother, Amalija Knavs, on Jan. 18, 2024.GIORGIO VIERA/AFP via GettyMelania described her mother as a “very special woman full of warmth, kindness and also strength,” while reflecting on Knavs' relationship with 18-year-oldBarron Trump, the only child Melania shares with Donald.“Her life was incrediblein Slovenia,” Melania continued, revealing that her mother “moved here to the United States to be close to [Barron].““Once Barron was born, he was her focus,” Melania shared.Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.“It’s almost like she was a second mother, especially because of my schedule in the White House and being so busy,” she continued. “They had an incredible bond. Her and Barron, it was [a] relationship like no other,” Melania concluded during the segment.Amalija Knavs, Melania Trump, Barron Trump and Donald Trump depart the White House on June 29, 2018.Olivier Douliery/ Abaca Press(Sipa via AP Images)Melania announced her mother’s death in a statement shared onX(formerly known as Twitter) in January. “It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of my beloved mother, Amalija,” her announcement began.“Amalija Knavs was a strong woman who always carried herself with grace, warmth and dignity. 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,” the statement continued.The rare, sit-down interview with Melaniacomes as Barron settles into his freshman yearat New York University’s Stern School of Business. The youngest son to Donald Trump wasspotted arriving for his first day of classeson Sept. 4, PEOPLE confirmed.

Melania Trumpreflected on the loss of her motherAmalija Knavsduring a rare, sit-downinterviewwith Fox News Channel’s Ainsley Earhardt.

The former first lady, 54, opened up to Earhardt about hermother’s death in January, describing the loss as “a moment that nobody prepares you [for].”

“It’s a grief that comes in waves and you need to feel it,” Melania remarked. “You need to have that inner peace to go with it, to feel it, to experience it.”

The longtime wife of Republican presidential nomineeDonald Trumpthanked her supporters who sent “beautiful letters, beautiful prayers, very kind notes” after her mother’s death, adding, “Thank you to everybody who, who wrote me, who thought about me and my family and was really deeply appreciate it,” during the segment on Fox News.

Former first lady Melania Trump at the funeral of her mother, Amalija Knavs, on Jan. 18, 2024.GIORGIO VIERA/AFP via Getty

GIORGIO VIERA/AFP via Getty

Melania described her mother as a “very special woman full of warmth, kindness and also strength,” while reflecting on Knavs' relationship with 18-year-oldBarron Trump, the only child Melania shares with Donald.

“Her life was incrediblein Slovenia,” Melania continued, revealing that her mother “moved here to the United States to be close to [Barron].”

“Once Barron was born, he was her focus,” Melania shared.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

“It’s almost like she was a second mother, especially because of my schedule in the White House and being so busy,” she continued. “They had an incredible bond. Her and Barron, it was [a] relationship like no other,” Melania concluded during the segment.

Amalija Knavs, Melania Trump, Barron Trump and Donald Trump depart the White House on June 29, 2018.Olivier Douliery/ Abaca Press(Sipa via AP Images)

Olivier Douliery/ Abaca Press(Sipa via AP Images)

Melania announced her mother’s death in a statement shared onX(formerly known as Twitter) in January. “It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of my beloved mother, Amalija,” her announcement began.

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

The rare, sit-down interview with Melaniacomes as Barron settles into his freshman yearat New York University’s Stern School of Business. The youngest son to Donald Trump wasspotted arriving for his first day of classeson Sept. 4, PEOPLE confirmed.

source: people.com