Melania Trump gives rare insight into her relationship with late mom Amalija Knavs
Melania Trump gives rare insight into her relationship with late mom Amalija Knavs
Shannon Brown Sun, May 10, 2026 at 7:52 AM UTC
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Melania Trump, with husband Donald and son Barron (Image: Getty)
Melania Trump has opened up about her relationship with her mother, Amalija Knavs, as well as her own experiences with motherhood, ahead of Mother's Day.
In a rare interview, the first lady shared how her mother connected with her son, Barron Trump, and kept him grounded in his Slovenian heritage, despite growing up in New York.
In a written interview with USA Today, the first lady said Barron's grandmother "filled every moment with joy and wisdom" and recalled them cuddling, reading and playing games together when Barron was young. Melania's mother, fashion designer Amalija Knavs died on January 9, 2024. It comes as Queen Camilla ditched Melania's $40,700 gift after the US state visit.
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Her documentary Melania, released in January, captured the first lady visiting St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York, only days before Donald Trump was sworn into office for a second time in 2025. It marked one year since Amalija's death and Melania visited the church often frequented by her mother to light a candle and remember her.
Amalija and her husband Viktor Knavs lived in Slovenia but spent a lot of time in the US after Barron, 20, was born so they could spend time with their grandson. Melania described Barron's relationship with his grandmother as "distinct."
"When Barron was young, they often cuddled, played Barron's favorite games, and read books together. I would often hear their laughter and personally felt their joy, knowing they were creating unforgettable memories together, " she said. "Their connection was so magical. And I loved watching it."
The first lady said her mother helped Barron stay connected with his heritage through sharing stories and food from Slovenia. "She made sure that Barron felt a strong connection to his Slovenian roots by sharing books and stories from our childhood," she said.
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"By preparing traditional Slovenian dishes, my mother filled our home with delicious aromas but also connected Barron to his heritage."
The pair also spoke Slovenian to each other while Barron was growing up, fostering "a beautiful connection that celebrates their heritage," Melania said.
She added that her parents' dedication was "irreplaceable", inspiring her to provide the same support for her son, who is a New York University student.
Amalija Knavs (Image: Getty)
The first lady, who has one child, said her family celebrated Mother's Day on International Women's Day, on March 8. She recalled creating a painting of her mother, describing it as "capturing her essence on canvas".
"She cherished it, along with so many of my other art creations, showing me the power of love, encouragement, and heritage," Melania gushed.
In sharing advice for young mothers, Melania said, "Shower your children with love and support and always communicate openly. See them as their own unique individuals, not merely as extensions of yourself. Encourage them to explore their passions and respect their choices, honoring their decision to declare "yes" and "no."
"Guide them with wisdom, but establish a foundation of freedom where they can carve their own life path. Remember, they're here to live their lives, and your nurturing spirit will help them shine."
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Source: “AOL Entertainment”
