WHILE most Americans are familiar with the Trump family, not many know Melania Trump's parents, Viktor and Amalija Knavs.
Here's what to know about former President Donald Trump's in-laws, the very people who raised the former first lady.
Who are Melania Trump’s parents?
Melania Trump’s mother was Amalija Knavs. The former first lady announced her mother's death on Tuesday, January 9, 2024.
"Amalija Knavs was a strong woman who always carried herself with grace, warmth, and dignity," Melania wrote in a statement.
"We will miss her beyond measure and continue to honor and love her legacy."
R&B star Anita Pointer of The Pointer Sisters dies aged 74
Amalija was 78. Her death came weeks after Melania was noticeably absent from a Trump group Christmas photo.
After sparking concern, a representative for Melania told Fox News that she was "devoted" to her family and spent the holidays "with her ailing mother."
Melania's father is Viktor Knavs. Both of her parents hailed from Yugoslavia, now known as Slovenia.
Amalija used to work as a patternmaker for a children's clothing company, while Viktor was a chauffeur for a mayor.
Eventually, Viktor changed jobs and became a salesman for a state-owned car manufacturer.
With an impressive business acumen, many compare him to his daughter's husband, which Melania did not oppose.
"They’re both hardworking,” she told GQ in 2016. “They’re both very smart and very capable. They grew up in totally different environments, but they have the same values, they have the same tradition.
"I myself am similar to my husband. Do you understand what I mean? So is my dad; he is a family man, he has tradition, he was hardworking. So is my husband.”
Meanwhile, a friend close to the Knavses told the outlet that Amalija was ever supportive and a "wonderful mother and wife."
Before Amalija's death, the pair moved to the US with Melania and were sometimes seen traveling with the former first family.
Celtic icon Frank McGarvey dies aged 66 as tributes paid to hero after cancer fight
When did Viktor and Amalija Knavs become U.S. citizens?
Viktor and Amalija Knavs became naturalized American citizens in August 2018.
Melania reportedly sponsored their green cards so they could work and live in the US and then went on to apply for citizenship once they were eligible for it.
The couple had their oath-taking ceremony in New York City.
"It went well and they are very grateful and appreciative of this wonderful day for their family,” their immigration lawyer, Michael Wildes, told CNN.
Does Melania Trump have any siblings?
Melania Trump has an older sister named Ines Knauss.
She reportedly lives in an NYC apartment owned by the Trumps.
“They are very close,” Palm Beach philanthropist Audrey Gruss, who once met Ines, shared with the New York Post. “She struck me as a lovely person, and extremely creative.”
They are also known to be close and are each other's confidantes.
Melania also has a half-brother, Denis Cigelnjak, who Viktor had with another woman before marrying Amalija.
Viktor reportedly paid for child support until Denis turned 18, but the two had never met.
It's also unclear whether Melania and Ines have any relationship with their half-brother.
"I’ve known about this for years," Melania told GQ. "My father is a private individual. Please respect his privacy.”
