Born Ivana Zelníčková in 1949 in then-Czechoslovakia, Ivana grew up under a strict socialist regime—but she didn’t let that hold her back. A talented skier, she joined the national Olympic training team, developing the drive and determination that would shape her life.

A brief marriage to an Austrian skier gave her a path to the West and a start in modeling. From Montreal to New York, Ivana’s elegance and ambition made her stand out.

In 1977, she married Donald Trump and quickly became more than a socialite. As VP of Interior Design and President of The Plaza Hotel, Ivana played a key role in the Trump empire, combining bold style with business savvy.

After their high-profile divorce in 1992, Ivana charted her own course—launching fashion and beauty lines, writing books, and sharing her story in her memoir Raising Trump.

To the end, Ivana lived unapologetically—with glamour, grit, and confidence. Her legacy is one of reinvention, resilience, and owning your power.