Ivana: The Unforgettable Matriarch of the Trump Family
Meet Ivana Trump, the Czech-American businesswoman, model, and the first wife of the 45th President of the United States, Donald Trump.
She was born Ivana Zelníčková on February 20, 1949, in Gottwaldov, Czechoslovakia (now Zlín, Czech Republic). She was a skier and model before she met Donald Trump in 1976. Ivana later became a businesswoman and was involved in many of Trump's business ventures, including Trump Tower and the Trump Taj Mahal casino. They were married from 1977 to 1992 and had three children together: Donald Jr., Ivanka, and Eric Trump.
Ivana's Early Life
Ivana grew up in a small town in Czechoslovakia. Her father was an electrical engineer, and her mother was a telephone operator. Ivana was a tomboy and enjoyed playing sports. She started skiing at a young age and quickly became a talented skier.
In 1972, Ivana competed in the Winter Olympics in Sapporo, Japan. She finished 12th in the downhill event. After the Olympics, Ivana moved to Canada and began working as a model. In 1976, she met Donald Trump at a party in New York City.
Ivana and Donald's Marriage
Ivana and Donald Trump were married in 1977. The wedding was a lavish affair, and the couple was often featured in the tabloids. Ivana and Donald had three children together: Donald Jr., Ivanka, and Eric Trump.
Ivana was a successful businesswoman in her own right. She was involved in many of Donald Trump's business ventures, including Trump Tower and the Trump Taj Mahal casino. She also had her own line of clothing and jewelry.
Ivana and Donald's Divorce
Ivana and Donald Trump divorced in 1992. The divorce was a bitter one, and the couple was often in the news. Ivana accused Donald of cheating on her with Marla Maples, who would later become his second wife.
After the divorce, Ivana continued to be a successful businesswoman. She wrote several books, including
The Best Is Yet to Come and
For Love Alone. She also had her own reality TV show,
Ivana Young Man.
Ivana's Death
Ivana Trump died on July 14, 2022, at the age of 73. She was found at the bottom of the stairs in her Manhattan townhouse. The New York City Medical Examiner's Office ruled her death an accident.
Ivana Trump was a complex and fascinating woman. She was a successful businesswoman, model, and author. She was also a strong and independent woman who was not afraid to speak her mind. She will be remembered as a pioneer for women in business.