Why Ivana and Donald Trump were the ultimate power couple of the 1980s

During their 15-year marriage, Ivana Trump played a pivotal role in creating Donald Trump’s empire and made up half of the most important power couple of the 1980s.

Ivana, born Ivana Marie Zelníčková, married the former president in 1977 and they divorced in 1992. They had three children together: Donald Jr., Ivanka and Eric.

But during their time together, the pair were regular fixtures on the tabloid and New York’s social scene until their fiery divorce in 1992.

And she was often credited with building both her public image and the family business.

Ivana – who died Thursday aged 73 – was a competitive skier and model, and has also held many roles in Trump family businesses after marrying the now-former president and becoming both successful business partners and husband and wife.

She has held many positions in the Trump Organization, including running the iconic Plaza Hotel in Manhattan.

While Trump was building his Manhattan empire, his wife worked with him and oversaw interior design at some of Trump’s most iconic buildings.

According to The Cut, she worked with her husband on the development of his signature building — Trump Tower — on Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue, as well as other high-profile projects, including the Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

In 1985 she became CEO of Trump’s Castle Casino Resort in Atlantic City and managed the Plaza Hotel after he bought it in 1988.

In a 1988 interview with Vanity Fair, she was described as very competitive and determined to prove her part in her husband’s business.

“Donald calls me as a woman his twin,” she told the publication at the time.

According to Donald Trump biographer Wayne Barrett, one example of her dedication to her role in the Trump business was when she went to an Italian quarry to select the rosy-beige Breccia Perniche marble that adorns the floors and walls of Trump Tower.

Trump later made a cameo appearance in the hit 1996 film The First Wives Club, with a tongue-in-cheek nod to their divorce, uttering the now-famous phrase, “Ladies, you must be strong and independent, and remember: take care of yourself.” don’t go crazy – get everything!”

The two divorced in 1992 but kept her ex-husband’s last name.

Ivana was spotted at the bottom of a staircase at her Manhattan home around 12:40 p.m. Thursday. Police sources told the Post that they believe she went into cardiac arrest, but the official cause of death is yet to be determined

In a statement, the Trump family called Ivana “a force in business, a world-class athlete, a radiant beauty and a caring mother and friend.”

“Ivana Trump was a survivor. She fled communism and embraced this country. She taught her children courage and toughness, compassion and determination,” she continued.

The former President also wrote on his social media platform Truth Social: “It is with great sadness that I inform all those who loved her, of whom there are many, that Ivana Trump has passed away at her home in New York City .”