What did Ivana Trump's ex-husband, Donald Trump,
have to say about the sudden death of his former wife? How did other family members
react? And did she really think of herself as the real first lady? Keep watching.
Ivana Trump, the first wife of former President Donald Trump, died on July 14, 2022,
at age 73. ABC News reported that paramedics were called to Ivana's apartment in Manhattan,
where they found her in cardiac arrest.
According to CBS News, Donald and Ivana divorced in 1992. The couple has three children together:
Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump, and Ivanka Trump. Ivana was a best-selling author,
businesswoman, and celebrity, who remained in the spotlight long after she split with Donald.
"Have you heard something?"
"No."
"You can't believe the press. All those creepy reporters–”
While promoting her book "Raising Trump" in 2017, Ivana told ABC News' Amy Robach
that she forgave her former husband. Donald allegedly had an affair with Marla Maples,
his second wife, while still married to Ivana. In 2020, Ivana spoke openly about
her relationship with her former husband, telling The Hill that she and Donald kept
in contact, but she wasn't interested in getting involved in his private life.
While Donald and Ivana have been divorced for a long time,
it is clear he still held her in high regard. Trump responded to the news
of his ex-wife's death on his social media platform Truth Social, writing,
"I am very saddened to inform all of those that loved her, of which there are many,
that Ivana Trump has passed away at her home in New York City. She was a wonderful,
beautiful, and amazing woman, who led a great and inspirational life."
He noted her pride in their three children together, and concluded with,
"Rest in peace, Ivana!"
Other family members have also expressed their sadness surrounding Ivana's passing.
In an Instagram post, Eric Trump called his mother "a survivor,"
remembering that she immigrated to the U.S. after fleeing communism. He wrote,
"She taught her children about grit and toughness, compassion and determination."
Ivana Trump may have been best known as the ex-wife of Donald Trump, but she was
also a beloved celebrity in her own right. In particular, Ivana gained legions of fans when she
popped up in "The First Wives Club" and uttered a single, instantly iconic line about divorce.
In the short scene, Ivana advised the central characters played by Goldie Hawn, Diane Keaton
and Bette Midler "to be strong and independent." She then quickly, and knowingly, added,
"And remember--"
"What?"
"Don't get mad — get everything!"
Unsurprisingly, Donald wasn't impressed with Ivana's cameo,
telling shock jock Howard Stern that she was "out of control" for agreeing to do it. True to form,
Donald also clarified that Ivana did not, in fact, get everything when they split. She did,
however, walk away with $25 million from the couple's prenuptial agreement alone,
only to subsequently violate it by writing a bestselling tell-all memoir about the marriage.
"The First Wives Club" followed a trio of scorned women seeking revenge against
the men who wronged them by replacing them with younger models — something with which
Ivana herself likely identified. The film marked her only real onscreen appearance,
though Ivana did place seventh in the British version of "Celebrity Big Brother" in 2010.
Despite Donald being married to his third wife, Melania Trump, throughout his presidency,
Ivana made it clear that in her mind, she was the real first lady.
During a 2017 interview with ABC News, Ivana claimed she was in regular contact with her
ex-husband but refused to call him at the White House in case Melania picked up the phone.
"I don't want to cause any kind of jealousy or something like that,
because I'm basically first Trump wife. Okay? I'm first lady, Okay?"
Ivana doubled down on her comments during an appearance on "The Ray D'Arcy Show,"
acknowledging they hadn't gone down well with Melania. Ivana clarified her statement, saying,
"I'm first Trump lady, and first lady went bananas over it."
"Yes, yes, Melania."
"I have no idea why."
Ivana also confirmed, however, that she wouldn't trade places with Melania since, telling ABC News,
"It's better her than me. I would hate Washington."
The president's first wife did argue, though, that she would have done a better job keeping the
White House in order, giving speeches, checking contracts, and leading negotiations, among other
things. Melania's spokesperson disagreed, of course, but we'll never know the real answer.
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