Friends and family members issued responses on Thursday following the death of Ivana Trump, former President Donald Trump’s first wife.
Trump continued to say: “Her pride and joy were her three children, Donald Jr., Ivanka, and Eric. She was so proud of them, as we were all so proud of her. Rest In Peace, Ivana!”
The Czech-born businesswoman and former model had several roles in the Trump Organization and other business ventures, including serving as the former vice president of interior design. Her work is included in the Trump Plaza Hotel, the Grand Hyatt Hotel, and the Trump Tower.
“Our mother was an incredible woman—a force in business, a world-class athlete, a radiant beauty, and caring mother and friend,” her three children said in a statement.
“Ivana Trump was a survivor. She fled from communism and embraced this country. She taught her children about grit and toughness, compassion and determination,” the family also said. “She will be dearly missed by her mother, her three children, and ten grandchildren.”
Ivana Trump, born Ivana Marie Zelnickova, worked as a model in the 1970s before she married Donald Trump in 1977 before she gave birth to three children: Donald Trump Jr., Ivanka Trump, and Eric Trump. The pair’s marriage was the focus of intense media coverage before their divorce in 1992.
“No matter how busy I was, I had breakfast with my children every day. I sat with them at dinner every night and helped them with their homework (I loved algebra) before going out in a Versace gown to a rubber-chicken charity event,” Ivana Trump wrote in her book, “Raising Trump.” “The kids and I celebrated, traveled, and grieved together. Our bond was, and is, our most valuable possession.”
In 2016 after her former husband launched his presidential bid, Ivana Trump said, “He is my best supporter.”
“I think he would be a great president,” she told news outlets at the time.
