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

Natasha Dye
·3-min read

"Once Barron was born, he was her focus," the former first lady said of her mother, Amalija Knavs, who died in January

<p>Chip Somodevilla/Getty; ERIC BARADAT/AFP via Getty </p> Melania Trump; Amalija Knavs

Chip Somodevilla/Getty; ERIC BARADAT/AFP via Getty

Melania Trump; Amalija Knavs

Melania Trump reflected on the loss of her mother Amalija Knavs during a rare, sit-down interview with Fox News Channel's Ainsley Earhardt.

The former first lady, 54, opened up to Earhardt about her mother'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 nominee Donald Trump thanked 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.

Related: Melania Trump's 53rd Birthday May Be 'Difficult,' Source Says, as She Continues Grieving Late Mother (Exclusive)

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

GIORGIO VIERA/AFP via Getty

Former first lady Melania Trump at the funeral of her mother, Amalija Knavs, on Jan. 18, 2024

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

Related: Melania Trump Says Donald Wanted More Kids, but She Was ‘Perfectly Fine’ with One: ‘I’m in Charge of Everything’

"Her life was incredible in 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.

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"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.

Related: Melania Trump Says She's on 'Journey of Loss and Grief' After Death of 'Beloved' Mother Amalija Knavs

<p>Olivier Douliery/ Abaca Press(Sipa via AP Images)</p> 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)

Amalija Knavs, Melania Trump, Barron Trump and Donald Trump depart the White House on June 29, 2018

Melania announced her mother's death in a statement shared on X (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.

Related: Melania Trump Delivers Eulogy at Mother Amalija Knavs' Funeral: 'In Her Presence, the World Seemed to Shimmer'

The rare, sit-down interview with Melania comes as Barron settles into his freshman year at New York University's Stern School of Business. The youngest son to Donald Trump was spotted arriving for his first day of classes on Sept. 4, PEOPLE confirmed.

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