Discover the Life Journey of Ivana Trump, Donald Trump’s First Wife – Born in 1949 in Gottwaldov, Czechoslovakia—currently known as Zlín in the Czech Republic—Ivana Trump emerged as a prominent competitive skier. Her early marriage to Austrian ski instructor Alfred Winklmayr in 1971 provided her the opportunity to travel extensively beyond the borders of Czechoslovakia, allowing her to experience different cultures and lifestyles. This adventurous spirit set the stage for her later successes and public persona, as she transitioned from sports to modeling and eventually to a high-profile life intertwined with one of the most recognized figures in America.

In her memoir, Raising Trump, Ivana recounts how she met Donald Trump during a visit to New York in 1976, three years after her divorce from Winklmayr. She had traveled to the city to participate in a Canadian fashion show ahead of the Montreal Olympics, and fate brought the two together. Their marriage in 1977 marked the beginning of a partnership that resulted in three successful children: Donald Trump Jr., born in 1977, Ivanka Trump, born in 1981, and Eric Trump, born in 1984. This family became central to the Trump brand and legacy, highlighting Ivana’s significant role as a mother and entrepreneur.

Despite their initial romantic success, the couple’s relationship deteriorated, culminating in a divorce finalized in 1992, primarily due to Donald’s affair with Marla Maples, whom he subsequently married. Nevertheless, after the divorce, Ivana maintained a positive relationship with Donald. She had two brief marriages afterward—first to Riccardo Mazzucchelli for two years, and then to Rossano Rubicondi for less than a year. Their amicable relationship post-divorce was a testament to their ability to co-parent and remain friends despite the challenges of their past.

Reflecting on their divorce, Ivana shared with ABC News in 2017, “Donald during the divorce was brutal. He took the divorce as a business deal, and he cannot lose. He has to win. It took about two years. After everything was settled, we would just talk, and we are friends.” This candid insight illustrates the complexities of their relationship and provides a glimpse into the life of a woman who navigated the tumultuous waters of fame and personal challenges.

Tragically, Ivana Trump passed away in 2022 at the age of 73. Reports from NBC News indicate that the New York City Medical Examiner determined her cause of death to be “blunt impact injuries,” categorizing it as an accident. A senior NYC official revealed that the circumstances surrounding her death were consistent with a fall down the stairs in her New York apartment, a heartbreaking end to a life filled with remarkable achievements and challenges.