Donald Trump’s first wife Ivana Trump has died aged 73.
Former US president Mr Trump announced her death on the social media platform, Truth Social, and said: “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.”
Her cause of death has not been announced, but police believe the cause of death may be accidental, according to the Associated Press, as sources say she may have fallen down a staircase.
A statement from the Trump family said: “Our mother was an incredible woman—a force in business, a world-class athlete, a radiant beauty, and a 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 ten grandchildren.”
Who was Ivana Trump?
Ivana Trump was born Ivana Marie ZelníÄková on February 20, 1949. She grew up in the former Czechoslovakia, which was under communist rule, before leaving in the 1970s.
Ms Trump married her first husband Alfred Winklmayr in 1971, with whom she was married until 1973. She reportedly married Winklmayr to obtain Austrian citizenship, so she could leave her communist home country.
Ms Trump reportedly met Mr Trump in New York City in 1976, when she was in the city for a fashion show.
She worked as a businesswoman, fashion designer, and model, as well as a senior executive in Trump’s business empire, and was also a competitive skier.
Following her divorce from Mr Trump, she married Italian businessman Riccardo Mazzucchelli, from 1995 until 1997 and then Italian actor Rossano Rubicondi, from 2008 until 2009.
When were Donald and Ivana Trump married?
Donald and Ivana Trump married in 1977 and divorced 15 years later in 1992. Together, they had three children: Donald Jr., Ivanka, and Eric.
Ivanka Trump has said she is “heartbroken” in a statement. She said: “Heartbroken by the passing of my mother. Mom was brilliant, charming, passionate and wickedly funny. She lived life to the fullest — never forgoing an opportunity to laugh and dance. I will miss her forever and will keep her memory alive in our hearts always.”
How many times has Donald Trump been married?
Donald Trump married his first wife Ivana Trump in 1977, before divorcing in 1992.
He then married actress and television personality Marla Maples, 58, in 1993, before they got divorced in 1999. Mr Trump and Ms Maples began their relationship while he was still married to his first wife, Ivana.
Together, they had a daughter, Tiffany Trump, who was born in 1993.
Mr Trump married his current wife, Melania Trump, 52, in 2005. They met in 1998 and began dating while Mr Trump was divorcing his second wife.
They have one child together, Barron Trump, who was born in 2006.
