Ivana Trump, the first wife of Donald Trump, has died in New York City, the former US president has announced on social media. "I am very saddened to inform all of those that loved her, of which there are many, that Ivana Trump has passed away at her home in New York City," Mr Trump posted on Truth Social.
"She was a wonderful, beautiful, and amazing woman, who led a great and inspirational life. Her pride and joy were her three children, Donald Jr, Ivanka, and Eric. She was so proud of them, as we were all so proud of her. Rest In Peace, Ivana!" She was 73 years old.
The Czech-born businesswoman and former model married Mr Trump, her second husband, in 1977. They were married for 15 years but divorced in 1992.
The Trump family also released a statement. “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Ivana Trump. Our mother was an incredible woman – a force in business, a world-class athlete, a radiant beauty, and caring mother and friend. Ivana Trump was a survivor.
“She fled from communism and embraced this country. She taught her children about grit and toughness, compassion and determination. She will be dearly missed by her mother, her three children, and 10 grandchildren.”
The Trumps were a power couple in New York in the 1980s before their divorce. In recent years Ivana Trump had been on good terms with her former husband. She wrote in a 2017 book that they spoke about once a week.
She told the New York Post in 2016 that she was both a supporter and adviser to the former president. “I suggest a few things,” she told the paper. “We speak before and after the appearances and he asks me what I thought.”
She said she advised him to “be more calm”. “But Donald cannot be calm,” she added. “He’s very outspoken. He just says it as it is.”
