Ivana Trump: 7 Shocking Facts About Donald Trump's First Wife And Her $100 Million Legacy

The life of Ivana Trump, the dynamic Czech-American businesswoman and socialite who was Donald Trump's first wife, continues to fascinate the public, even after her passing in July 2022. As of December 11, 2025, her legacy is defined not just by her marriage to the former President and her role as the matriarch of the Trump family's eldest children, but also by her sharp business acumen, glamorous lifestyle, and surprising final moments.

Ivana Marie Trump was a towering figure in the New York social and business scene of the 1980s, forming half of one of the decade's most prominent "power couples." This article dives deep into the fresh and compelling details of her extraordinary life, her pivotal role in building the Trump empire, the explosive divorce, and the unexpected circumstances of her death that left a $100 million estate to her children and others.

Ivana Trump: A Complete Biography and Profile

Ivana Trump, born Ivana Marie Zelníčková, was a force of nature whose life spanned from communist Czechoslovakia to the pinnacle of American high society. Her journey was marked by ambition, athleticism, and a relentless entrepreneurial spirit.

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• Full Name: Ivana Marie Trump (née Zelníčková)
• Date of Birth: February 20, 1949
• Place of Birth: Zlín, Czechoslovakia (now Czech Republic)
• Date of Death: July 14, 2022
• Place of Death: Her home in New York City, New York
• Cause of Death: Accidental blunt force injuries to her torso, suffered from a fall down the stairs
• Nationality: Czech and American
• Spouses: Alfred Winklmayr (1971–1973), Donald Trump (1977–1992), Riccardo Mazzucchelli (1995–1997), Rossano Rubicondi (2008–2009)
• Children: Donald Trump Jr. (b. 1977), Ivanka Trump (b. 1981), Eric Trump (b. 1984)
• Known For: Businesswoman, socialite, former model, author, and Executive Vice President of Interior Design for The Trump Organization.
• Estimated Net Worth at Death: $100 million

The Power Couple Era: How Ivana Built the Trump Empire

Ivana's marriage to Donald Trump in 1977 was the start of a partnership that was both personal and professional. She was far more than just a socialite; she was instrumental in the early success of The Trump Organization.

A Skier-Turned-Business Mogul

Before meeting Donald, Ivana was an accomplished skier and model. She reportedly served as an alternate on the 1972 Czechoslovak Olympic ski team, a detail that speaks to her discipline and drive. After moving to the United States, she quickly transitioned her focus to business.

During her 15-year marriage to Donald Trump, Ivana held significant executive roles within the company. She was appointed as the Vice President of Interior Design for the organization, overseeing the design of major projects like the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York City.

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Her most famous role was as the manager of the iconic Trump Castle Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, a position she held with distinction. She was known for her demanding, hands-on management style, which helped establish the properties as luxury destinations. This period cemented her reputation as a formidable businesswoman, not just a wife.

The Explosive Divorce and the $100 Million Fortune

The Trump's highly-publicized divorce in 1992 was one of the most sensational celebrity splits of its time, dominating tabloid headlines and signaling the end of the 1980s power couple era. The proceedings were acrimonious, primarily due to Donald Trump's affair with Marla Maples, who would become his second wife.

The Financial Independence After the Split

The divorce settlement was a pivotal moment for Ivana, securing her financial independence and forming a large part of her estimated $100 million net worth. The settlement reportedly included $14 million, a 45-room mansion in Greenwich, Connecticut, and an apartment in Trump Plaza.

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Armed with this capital, Ivana successfully launched her own business ventures, proving she could thrive outside of her ex-husband's shadow. Her post-divorce career included:

• Ivana Inc.: A company that developed clothing, jewelry, and beauty products.
• Fashion and Jewelry Lines: Sold successfully on networks like the Home Shopping Network (HSN) and QVC.
• Author: She published several successful books, including the novel For Love Alone and the self-help book The Best is Yet to Come: Coping with Divorce and Enjoying Life Again.
• Memoir: Her 2017 book, Raising Trump, offered a candid look at her life as a mother to Donald Jr., Ivanka, and Eric, and her co-parenting relationship with Donald Trump.

These independent endeavors, combined with shrewd real estate investments, allowed her to build and maintain a substantial personal fortune, making her a wealthy entrepreneur in her own right.

The Tragic Final Chapter and Ivana’s Will

Ivana Trump's death on July 14, 2022, was ruled an accident caused by blunt force trauma after a fall down the stairs of her Upper East Side townhouse. The circumstances were a sudden and tragic end to a vibrant life.

A Legacy of Generosity and Family

Despite the initial bitterness of the divorce, Ivana maintained a surprisingly cordial relationship with Donald Trump in her later years, often speaking with him and supporting his political endeavors. However, her primary focus remained her children—Donald Jr., Ivanka, and Eric—who were the main beneficiaries of her estate.

Her will, valued at approximately $34 million in assets, revealed her generosity and loyalty. The bulk of her estate was divided among her three children. However, she also made a significant provision for the woman who helped raise her children.

In a touching gesture, Ivana left around $1 million to Dorothy Curry, the longtime nanny who had helped her raise her three children. This decision underscored her deep appreciation for the support she received as a working mother and matriarch of the family. She also left two properties to close friends, demonstrating a final act of loyalty and care for those who were part of her inner circle.

Ivana Trump’s life story—from a small-town girl in Czechoslovakia to a New York City icon and a successful businesswoman—is a testament to resilience and ambition. Her passing closed a significant chapter in the history of the Trump family, but her influence on her children and her indelible mark on the 1980s business and social landscape ensure her legacy endures.