Ivana Trump, the first wife of former President Donald Trump, died in New York City at the age of 73, announced her family on Thursday. In 1980s, both were half of a publicity power couple and remained married for almost 20 years.
Sharing the the news of her demise on social media platform Truth Social, Trump 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."
"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!," he added.
The Trump family also released an official statement after the death, according to the AP report. "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".
The statement also mentioned the struggle after she fled from communism and embraced a new 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 couple underwent a public and messy divorce after the former President met his next wife Marla Maples. However, Ivana Trump remained on good terms with her former husband in recent years. In a 2017 book she had revealed that they spoke about once a week.
Earlier in 2016, Ivana told the New York Post that she was both a supporter and adviser to the former president, as per the AP report.
"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." She went on to claim that the former President cannot be calm and added, "He's very outspoken. He just says it as it is."
Ivana Trump, a competitive skier and fashion model, held several key positions inside the family's Trump business including real estate. She also went on to built a fashion brand post her divorce.
Ivana Zelnickova was born in 1949 in the Czechoslovak city of Gottwaldov, which was taken over by Communist in 1948. She married Trump, her second husband, in 1977.