Donald Trump Reacts To The Death Of His First Wife Ivana

Ivana Trump, the first wife of Donald Trump, has died at age 73. ABC News reports that on Thursday afternoon, paramedics were called to Ivana Trump's apartment in Manhattan, where they found her experiencing cardiac arrest.

According to CBS News, the couple divorced in 1992, when Trump was still primarily known for his real estate. The couple has three children together, Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump, and Ivanka Trump. Ivana Trump was a best-selling author, businesswoman, and celebrity, who remained in the spotlight long after she split with Trump.

While promoting her book "Raising Trump" in 2017, Ivana Trump told ABC News' Amy Robach that she forgave her former husband, who allegedly had an affair with Marla Maples, his second wife, while still married to Ivana Trump. In 2020, Trump spoke openly about her relationship with her former husband, telling The Hill that she and Donald Trump kept in contact, but she didn't "get involved with the ex-wives and his private life."

While Donald Trump and Ivana Trump have been divorced for a long time, it is clear he still holds her in high regard. Trump responded to the news of his ex-wife's death on 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 cites her pride in their three children, and concludes with, "Rest in peace, Ivana!"

Other family members have expressed their sadness surrounding Trump's passing. In an Instagram post by Ivana's son Eric Trump, he called his mother "a survivor," remembering her immigration to the U.S. after fleeing communism. Her family celebrates her "grit and toughness, compassion and determination" that she passed on to her loved ones.

Ivana Trump may have been known first and foremost as the ex-wife of former President Donald Trump, but she was also a beloved celebrity in her own right too. 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 Middler, "to be strong and independent" (via YouTube). She then quickly, and knowingly, added, "And remember, don't get mad — get everything!"

Unsurprisingly, Donald wasn't impressed with Ivana's appearance, telling shock jock Howard Stern — who had harsh words for Trump more recently — she was "out of control" for agreeing to cameo in the beloved movie, per Newsweek. True to form, the former "Apprentice" host 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 prenup alone, only to subsequently violate it by writing a bestselling tell-all memoir about her marriage to Donald.

As Entertainment Weekly notes, "The First Wives Club" follows a trio of scorned women seeking revenge against the men who wronged them by replacing the ladies with younger models — something with which Ivana herself likely identified. The film marked her only real onscreen appearance, though Ivana did place seventh after competing in the British version of "Celebrity Big Brother," in 2010.

Despite the fact Donald Trump was married to Melania Trump throughout his presidency, Ivana Trump made it clear that in her mind, she was the real first lady. People reports that, during a 2017 interview on "Good Morning America," 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," she said at the time.

Ivana doubled down on her comments during an appearance Ireland's "The Ray D'Arcy Show," acknowledging they hadn't gone down well with the actual first lady. "I said, 'I'm first Trump lady. I'm first Trump lady,' and first lady went bananas over it," Ivana shared, arguing, "I have no idea why. I don't know how it sparkled, but I am definitely first Trump lady." However, Ivana also confirmed she wouldn't trade places with Melania since, per 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, meanwhile, decried Ivana's comments as "attention seeking and self-serving noise."