The politician wrote on his social network Truth Social: “It saddens me very sad to inform everyone who loved her, which are many, that Ivana Trump has died at her home in New York.”
In the post, Trump described Ivana as a “wonderful, beautiful and amazing woman, who led a great and inspiring life. Her pride and joy were her three children, Donald Jr, Ivanka, and Eric. She was so proud of them, as all of us were so proud of her. Rest in peace, Ivana.”
New York City officials said police went to the star’s Manhattan apartment after receiving a 911 call, where she was found alone and unanswered. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to TMZ, Ivana suffered cardiac arrest shortly after Thursday’s lunch break and it was a person at her home who called the NYPD shortly after 12:30 p.m. local time.
Ivana’s son, Eric, 38, said in a statement issued on behalf of the Trump family: “Our mother was an amazing woman: a great businesswoman, a world-class athlete, a radiant woman, and a caring mother and friend. Ivana Trump was a survivor. He fled communism and embraced this country. He taught his children courage and toughness, compassion, and determination. Her mother, her three children, and her ten grandchildren will miss her very much.”
Eric also shared on Instagram several images of the socialite and her children over the years.
Born in Czechoslovakia in 1946, Ivana moved to Canada in the mid-70s, before moving to the United States, where she lived in New York. She met Donald in that city when she was a model and married him in 1977.
The couple split in 1990 after Donald had an affair with Marla Maples, 58, who became his second wife.
Ivana dated Italian actor Rossano Rubicondi, who died at age 49 in October 2021 from cancer.
The star held a prominent position in Trump’s business as vice president of interior design, CEO, and president of Trump’s Castle casino complex. He was also the manager of the Plaza Hotel.