Ivana Trump
Ivana Trump
Ivana Marie Trump (née Zelnicková; February 20, 1949 – July 14, 2022) was a Czech-American businesswoman, socialite, and model. She was prominently known for her marriage to Donald Trump, the 45th President of the United States, although her own career and ventures spanned various industries and countries.
Early Life and Education
Ivana was born in Zlín, then part of Czechoslovakia. From a young age, she exhibited a strong determination and talent in sports, particularly in skiing, which she pursued at a competitive level. This athletic prowess earned her a place in the ski team and facilitated her move to Austria, where she married her first husband, an Austrian ski instructor.
Career Beginnings
After relocating to Canada, Ivana shifted her focus from sports to fashion and modeling, eventually moving to New York City where she became a fixture in the social scene. Her career in fashion and modeling laid the foundation for her later endeavors in business.
Marriage to Donald Trump
Ivana met Donald Trump, a prominent real estate developer, in the mid-1970s. They married in 1977 and became a power couple in the New York social and business circles. During her time in the Trump Organization, Ivana held several top positions, including Vice President of Interior Design, and played a significant role in the development of Trump properties, such as Trump Tower and the Plaza Hotel.
Post-Divorce Ventures
Following her high-profile divorce from Donald Trump in 1992, Ivana embarked on numerous business ventures, leveraging her celebrity status. She launched her own lines of clothing, jewelry, and beauty products, which were successfully sold on QVC UK and the Home Shopping Network.
Ivana was also a prolific writer, penning an advice column titled "Ask Ivana" for the Globe, and authoring several books, including her autobiography, Raising Trump. Her writing often reflected her insightful perspectives on personal growth and self-help.
Legacy
Ivana Trump left an indelible mark as both a businesswoman and a socialite. She was a key figure in the Trump family, which includes her children with Donald Trump—Ivanka Trump, Donald Trump Jr., and Eric Trump. Her legacy continues through her entrepreneurial spirit and her contributions to the fields of fashion and design.