Ex-Wife of Donald Trump and Model

Ivana Trump | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : March 09, 2025

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Who is Ivana Trump?

Ivana Trump was a prominent figure in the social elite of New York City, best known as the first wife of Donald Trump and a former model. Born Ivana Marie Zelnícková on February 20, 1949, in Gottwaldov, Czechoslovakia, she showcased her athletic talents early on as a competitive skier. After immigrating to Canada, she pursued modeling in the 1970s, eventually leading her to New York City where she met Donald Trump. The couple married in 1977 and had three children together—Donald Jr., Ivanka, and Eric—while navigating the ups and downs of a high-profile marriage amidst the rich glamour of the 1980s New York scene.

Ivana's role extended beyond being a socialite; she was instrumental in several of Trump's business ventures, overseeing design projects, such as the Trump Tower and the Plaza Hotel. However, their tumultuous relationship culminated in a highly publicized divorce in 1990, during which she secured a $20 million settlement, despite Trump's struggling real estate empire. Following their separation, she reinvented herself as an author and entrepreneur, publishing books and launching her own fashion line. Ivana's journey was marked by resilience, and she continued to make headlines with various business endeavors and reality television appearances until her passing on July 14, 2022.

Early Life and Education

Ivana Marie Zelnícková, known as Ivana Trump, was born on February 20, 1949, in Gottwaldov, Czechoslovakia, now present-day Zlín in the Czech Republic. From a young age, Ivana exhibited remarkable athletic abilities, particularly in skiing. She began competing in skiing at the tender age of six and went on to join a national training program by twelve. Throughout her teenage years, she participated in several tournaments across Europe, solidifying her status as a promising athlete. In 1967, she enrolled at Charles University in Prague, where she maintained her skiing pursuits and claimed to have been chosen as an alternate for the Czech Olympic ski team in 1972, though this assertion has faced skepticism.

During her time at university, Ivana married Austrian skier Alfred Winklmayr, though their marriage was short-lived. Following her relocation to Canada, she worked as a ski instructor before launching her modeling career in the 1970s. Her modeling success eventually led her to New York City in 1976, where she would cross paths with Donald Trump, marking the beginning of her high-profile life in the United States. It was in New York that Ivana transformed from an accomplished athlete into a renowned public figure, ultimately playing an influential role in the world of fashion and business while becoming a staple of New York's social elite in the 1980s.

Marriage to Donald Trump

Ivana Trump married Donald Trump in 1977 after a whirlwind courtship that captured the attention of New York City's elite. They became a power couple, welcomed three children—Donald Jr., Ivanka, and Eric—and quickly became fixtures in the social scene of the 1980s. Ivana not only supported Trump’s business ventures—serving as an interior design consultant on iconic projects like Trump Tower and the Trump Plaza Hotel—but also held executive positions at the Plaza Hotel and Trump's Castle Hotel and Casino. The couple's lavish lifestyle and public prominence made them one of the most talked-about duos of their time.

Despite their initial success, Ivana and Donald’s marriage was far from perfect. As Donald's political ambitions grew and his public persona became increasingly controversial, strains surfaced in their relationship. Ivana faced immense pressure from the media as rumors about Donald's infidelity began circulating, particularly regarding his affair with Marla Maples. In 1990, the couple separated, and their high-profile divorce that followed was marked by dramatic legal battles, ultimately resulting in Ivana receiving a $20 million settlement—a notable achievement given Donald's financial troubles during that period.

Recent Years and Career Reinvention

Following her high-profile divorce from Donald Trump in 1990, Ivana Trump embarked on a transformative journey to redefine her public persona. She leveraged her experiences into literary success, authoring two novels, "For Love Alone" and "Free to Love," alongside the self-help book "The Best Is Yet to Come: Coping With Divorce and Enjoying Life Again." In this instructive guide, she encouraged women, particularly those navigating divorce, to assert their rights and secure favorable settlements, famously advising them to “take his wallet to the cleaners.”

In the late 1990s, Ivana founded her fashion line, Ivana Haute Couture, which featured clothing, fragrances, and jewelry. Her entrepreneurial spirit didn't stop there as she established Ivana Inc. to manage public appearances and media engagements. Ivana had a notable guest appearance in the iconic comedy "The First Wives Club," signaling her steady presence in popular culture. Additionally, she continued to embrace new opportunities, launching a line of wines in 2011 and hosting art exhibitions, a testament to her versatility and enduring appeal in the business and entertainment spheres.

Personal Life: Married Life and Children

Ivana Trump married Donald Trump in 1977 after a romantic whirlwind courtship, becoming a prominent figure in New York City's elite social circles throughout the 1980s. The couple had three children together: Donald Jr., Ivanka, and Eric. Ivana played an active role in Trump's burgeoning real estate empire, working as an interior design consultant and holding executive positions at several of his properties, including the Trump Tower and the Plaza Hotel. Despite their glamorous life, the marriage was fraught with challenges, primarily stemming from Trump's political aspirations and public persona, which often drew scrutiny and rumor.

Their relationship came to an end in 1990 amid speculations of Trump's affair with Marla Maples. After a highly publicized separation, Ivana emerged from the divorce with a remarkable $20 million settlement, which was especially significant given Trump's financial troubles at the time. Following their split, Ivana dedicated herself to rebuilding her life and career, also ensuring her children were raised in a nurturing environment. She imparted valuable life lessons to her children, emphasizing resilience and independence as they navigated the complexities of growing up in the public eye.

Net Worth and Earning: Salary

Ivana Trump, a notable figure in the American socialite landscape, had a complex financial journey throughout her life. Following her divorce from Donald Trump in 1990, Ivana secured a $20 million settlement, a significant amount considering Trump's financial struggles at the time. This divorce allowed her to create a financial foundation that she could build upon independently, leading to various business ventures and creative projects in the years that followed. Ivana transitioned from being a glamorous model and socialite to a businesswoman, author, and reality television personality, showcasing her resilience and adaptability.

In subsequent years, Ivana Trump cultivated a diverse portfolio of earnings. She launched her own fashion line, Ivana Haute Couture, which included clothing, fragrances, and jewelry, catering to a niche market. In addition, her foray into authorship with works like "The Best Is Yet to Come" further showcased her ability to capitalize on her experiences, making her a sought-after speaker and media personality. Furthermore, her participation in reality television, coupled with marketing ventures such as her wine line, highlighted her knack for staying relevant and financially successful in a rapidly evolving entertainment industry. Overall, Ivana’s net worth was bolstered by her business acumen, underscoring her ability to thrive beyond her marriage to Donald Trump.