Ivana Trump’s life was a mix of ambition, glamour, and resilience. Born Ivana Marie Zelníčková in what was then Czechoslovakia, she grew up with a strong work ethic instilled by her parents. Her father, an electrical engineer, encouraged her athleticism, leading her to excel in skiing from a young age. This talent provided a rare opportunity to travel beyond the confines of the Soviet-controlled country, giving her a glimpse of the world outside.
Her early years were marked by a relentless drive for success. After earning a master’s degree in physical education, Ivana strategically navigated her way to freedom by marrying an Austrian ski instructor, which allowed her to leave Czechoslovakia legally. She later moved to Canada, where she built a life as a ski instructor and model, continuously refining her English. These years of transition shaped the woman who would later become a fixture in New York’s elite circles, a savvy businesswoman, and a force in the Trump empire.
Ivana Trump’s Marriage to Donald Trump and Her Business Endeavors
Ivana met Donald Trump in 1976 while on a modeling assignment in New York City. Their whirlwind romance quickly led to marriage in 1977, marking the beginning of their highly publicized life together. Throughout the 1980s, the couple became one of New York’s most talked-about power duos, both in social and business circles. Ivana was more than just the wife of a wealthy real estate mogul—she played a crucial role in the Trump Organization.
She held top managerial positions, including vice president of interior design, CEO and president of Trump’s Castle casino, and manager of the Plaza Hotel. Her influence extended to major projects such as the construction of Trump Tower and the Trump Taj Mahal Casino.
As much as they built together, their marriage unraveled just as publicly. The scandal surrounding Donald’s affair with Marla Maples led to a highly publicized divorce in 1990. Their separation dominated tabloids for months, with details of their prenuptial agreements and courtroom battles making headlines. Ultimately, Ivana secured a substantial settlement, including $14 million, a Connecticut mansion, an apartment in Trump Plaza, and access to Mar-a-Lago for one month each year.
Life After Divorce and Independent Success
Rather than retreat from the spotlight, Ivana capitalized on her fame to establish her own ventures. She launched fashion and beauty lines sold through QVC UK and the Home Shopping Network, proving herself as a savvy businesswoman independent of Donald Trump’s empire.
From 1995 to 2010, she also wrote an advice column titled Ask Ivana and published several books, including her autobiography Raising Trump, which provided insight into her life and her role as a mother.
Ivana remained a pop culture figure, making a cameo in The First Wives Club, where she famously quipped, “Don’t get mad, get everything.” She also hosted a reality TV special, Ivana Young Man, and appeared on Celebrity Big Brother 7 in the UK. Despite her extravagant lifestyle, she stayed connected to her European roots and frequently visited the Czech Republic.
Family and Personal Life
Ivana and Donald had three children together—Donald Jr., Ivanka, and Eric. She played an active role in raising them, emphasizing discipline and ambition. Donald Jr. became fluent in Czech thanks to his grandfather, while Ivanka learned the basics of the language.
Eric, however, was raised primarily in English. Ivana often described herself as a strict but loving mother, ensuring her children had a solid foundation despite their privileged upbringing.
Her love life remained eventful post-divorce. She married and divorced twice after Donald—once to Italian businessman Riccardo Mazzucchelli and later to actor Rossano Rubicondi, whose on-and-off relationship with Ivana kept tabloids intrigued for years.
Despite these later marriages, it was clear that her connection to Donald Trump remained one of the most defining relationships of her life.
Ivana Trump’s Death and Legacy
On July 14, 2022, Ivana Trump passed away at the age of 73 due to an accidental fall at her home in Manhattan. Her death prompted tributes from her children, ex-husband, and public figures who recognized her as a larger-than-life personality.
Her funeral was held at the Church of St. Vincent Ferrer, with family and close friends in attendance. She was laid to rest at the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey.
Ivana’s estate was valued at $34 million, most of which was left to her three children. She also included close friends and her former nanny in her will, reflecting the people who had played significant roles in her life.
Ivana Trump’s journey from a small town in Czechoslovakia to the pinnacle of American high society was one of determination, reinvention, and resilience. Whether as a businesswoman, socialite, or devoted mother, she left an indelible mark on those who knew her and those who followed her remarkable story.
