UPDATE: Melania Trump has confirmed the news of her beloved mother’s passing at 78 years old.

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…

— MELANIA TRUMP (@MELANIATRUMP) January 10, 2024

“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’s step daughter, Ivanka, has also issued a statement mourning the loss of her step-grandmother.

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Melania’s beloved mother, Amalija Knavs, a remarkable woman who brought immense joy and love into the lives of all around her:
Her spirit, strength, and compassion will be profoundly missed but lives on in the hearts of all those whose lives she touched so dearly: Rest in Peace Amalija.”

Melania’s absence from Donald Trump’s campaign trail has been very obvious the last few weeks.

_{via Shutterstock (Frederic Legrand – COMEO)}

Now, Trump is revealing why his wife hasn’t been by his side during several of his appearances. While the excuse for Melania’s absence is usually due to her putting their son Barron first, this time it’s because Melania is being a daughter.

During his New Year’s Eve event, Trump made a heartbreaking announcement. According to the former president, Trump’s mother-in-law, Melania’s mother, Amalija, is very ill.

_{via Shutterstock (Debby Wong)}

A source told People that during the event, Trump offered an explanation for his wife’s absence saying that she was spending time at a hospital. “Melania—great First Lady, so popular, the people love her—she’s now in a hospital with her mother. Her mother, Amalija, is very ill, but hopefully, she’ll be recovering.”

_{via Shutterstock (lev radin)}

The source continued, saying Trump added, “But she’s been very ill, so I just want to say ‘hello’ to the First Lady—we just spoke, down in Miami, great hospital—and hopefully they’ll be ok, but it’s a tough one, it’s a very tough one. She knows probably about 95% of the people in this room. We just want to wish Amalija that she gets better as quickly as possible.”

Both of Melania’s parents who are in their late 70s have been living with the Trumps at Mar-a-Lago.

_{via Shutterstock (Evan Al-Amin)}

Although Melania is a former First Lady and could possibly become First Lady again later this year, it’s no secret she prefers to live a private life away from the cameras.