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Amalija Knavs, mother of former first lady Melania Trump, dies

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Amalija Knavs, mother of former first lady Melania Trump, dies
Abaca Press/Sipa USA via AP, FILE
ByJohn Santucci and Jolie Lash
January 10, 2024, 2:39 AM

Amalija Knavs, the mother of former first lady Melania Trump, has died, Trump confirmed on X Tuesday night.

ABC News has learned Knavs died in Florida on Tuesday after a long health battle.

Barron Trump, former First Lady Melania Trump and her mother Amalija Knavs depart the White House en route to Joint Base Andrews, in Washington, D.C., on June 29, 2018.
Abaca Press/Sipa USA via AP, FILE

In her statement on X, the former first lady called her mother a "strong woman" who carried herself with "grace, warmth, and dignity."

Trump's parents, the Knavs, spent time living in the upper floors of the White House during the Trump presidency and had a very close relationship with former President Donald Trump and their grandson Barron Trump.

PHOTO: Former first lady Melania Trump's parents Viktor and Amalija Knavs arrive at the White House in Washington, Aug. 18, 2019, as they return from Bedminster, N.J., with former President Donald Trump, Melania and their son Barron Trump.
Former first lady Melania Trump's parents Viktor and Amalija Knavs arrive at the White House in Washington, Aug. 18, 2019, as they return from Bedminster, N.J., with former President Donald Trump, former first lady Melania Trump and their son Barron Trump.
Carolyn Kaster/AP, FILE

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"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 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 Trump's full statement read.

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