Ivana Marie Zelníčková
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Physical Attributes
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Additional Information
Biography
Ivana Marie Trump (née Zelníčková)
Ivana Marie Trump (February 20, 1949 – July 14, 2022) was a Czech-American businesswoman, socialite, and fashion designer who gained international fame as the first wife of Donald Trump and mother of their three children: Donald Jr., Ivanka, and Eric. A former competitive skier and model, Ivana became a prominent figure in New York City's social scene during the 1980s and played significant roles in the Trump Organization before her high-profile divorce in 1992 :cite[2]:cite[3].
Early Life and Background
Born Ivana Marie Zelníčková in Zlín, Czechoslovakia (now Czech Republic), she was the only child of Miloš Zelníček, an electrical engineer, and Marie Zelníčková, a telephone operator :cite[3]. From age four, Ivana trained as a competitive skier, eventually joining the junior national ski team. Her athletic prowess became her ticket out of communist Czechoslovakia when she married Austrian ski instructor Alfred Winklmayr in 1971 to obtain Austrian citizenship :cite[2]:cite[3].
Education and Early Career
- Graduated from Charles University in Prague with a master's in physical education :cite[3]
- Worked as a ski instructor in Canada while taking English courses at McGill University :cite[2]
- Became a model promoting the 1976 Winter Olympics :cite[2]
Marriage to Donald Trump
Ivana met Donald Trump in 1976 while modeling in New York City. They married in 1977 and quickly became one of New York's most visible power couples :cite[2]:cite[3].
Roles in Trump Organization
| Position | Years | Key Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Vice President of Interior Design | 1980s | Designed interiors of Grand Hyatt Hotel and Trump Tower :cite[3] |
| CEO of Trump's Castle | 1985-? | Managed Atlantic City casino operations :cite[3] |
| President of Plaza Hotel | 1988-1990 | First woman to hold this position :cite[3] |
Divorce and Settlement
The Trumps' marriage ended in a highly publicized 1992 divorce that included:
- $14 million settlement plus Connecticut mansion :cite[2]
- Four prenuptial agreement disputes :cite[2]
- Non-disclosure agreement signed by Ivana :cite[2]
Post-Divorce Career and Ventures
Fashion and Jewelry Lines
Launched House of Ivana products including fragrances sold on QVC and HSN, earning "tens of millions" :cite[3]
Advice Columnist
Wrote "Ask Ivana" column for Globe magazine :cite[3]
Third Marriage
Married Italian actor Rossano Rubicondi (divorced 2009 but remained close until his 2021 death) :cite[3]
Memoir Published
Released "Raising Trump" about parenting her three children :cite[3]
Personal Life and Legacy
Parenting Philosophy
Ivana took pride in raising her children with a balance of discipline and affection:
- "Had breakfast with my children every day" despite busy schedule :cite[3]
- Emphasized education, activities, and family bonding :cite[2]
- Maintained weekly phone calls with Donald Trump post-divorce :cite[2]
Final Years and Death
Ivana Trump died on July 14, 2022, at age 73 in her New York City home. Police believed her death resulted from an accidental fall near a staircase :cite[2]. Her children remembered her as:
Cultural Impact
Ivana Trump left an indelible mark on American culture:
- Cameo in 1996's The First Wives Club with iconic line: "Ladies, you have to be strong and independent" :cite[2]
- Pioneered the "working socialite" archetype in 1980s New York
- Authored multiple books on divorce, parenting, and lifestyle :cite[3]
Conclusion
Ivana Trump's journey from communist Czechoslovakia to New York high society embodied the American Dream. More than just Donald Trump's first wife, she was a savvy businesswoman, devoted mother, and cultural icon who reinvented herself multiple times. Her legacy lives on through her children and the indelible mark she left on 1980s-90s American culture :cite[2]:cite[3].