Ivana Trump, best known as the ex-wife of billionaire and former U.S. president Donald Trump, led a life defined by resilience and reinvention. Born in 1949 in socialist Czechoslovakia as Ivana Zelníčková, she was an accomplished competitive skier by her teenage years, even making the national Olympic team. Her early success in sports exposed her to a broader world and ignited a desire to escape the confines of her home country. A brief marriage to an Austrian man gave Ivana the opportunity to move to the West, setting her on a new path toward a life of freedom and opportunity.

After her divorce, Ivana transitioned into modeling, quickly becoming a sought-after figure due to her striking beauty. Her work in fashion magazines brought her both financial independence and fame, leading her to New York, where she met Donald Trump. They married in 1977, and Ivana’s 15-year marriage to Trump placed her at the center of New York’s elite social scene.

However, Ivana was not just a “millionaire’s wife” — she was actively involved in her husband’s business, contributing to major real estate projects and hotel designs. Her extravagant style, characterized by voluminous hair, bold outfits, and flashy jewelry, made her a standout figure, though it attracted some criticism.

Ivana’s divorce from Trump in the early ’90s marked the beginning of her independent career. She received a $25 million settlement and used her newfound freedom to build her own business empire. She launched clothing and cosmetics lines and authored several books, including one bestseller. Though her personal life included two more short marriages, Ivana remained a public figure, exuding charm and confidence. Well into her 60s, she continued to seek companionship, making meaningful relationships throughout her later years.

Ivana never let age define her, refusing to conform to the societal expectations placed on older women. Known for her youthful clothing choices and bold makeup, she confidently embraced a style that matched her inner spirit, despite criticism. Her figure remained trim, and although the years of plastic surgery became apparent, she never wavered from her distinct style. Ivana Trump’s legacy is one of strength, independence, and living life on her own terms, refusing to let age or criticism dictate her choices until her tragic passing at 73 in 2022.