UPDATE - Ivana Trump, Donald Trump's first wife, dead at 73

ADDS DETAIL

By Servet Gunerigok

WASHINGTON (AA) - Ivana Trump, the ex-wife of former US President Donald Trump, has died, Trump announced Thursday. She was 73.

"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," the former president wrote on Truth Social. "She was a wonderful, beautiful, and amazing woman, who led a great and inspirational life."

"Her pride and joy were her three children, Donald Jr., Ivanka, and Eric. She was so proud of them, as we were all so proud of her. Rest In Peace, Ivana!" he said.

She reportedly died after going into cardiac arrest at her home in Manhattan.

Ivana and Trump were married in 1977 and divorced in 1992.

The Czech-American businesswoman played a critical role in building Trump's real-estate empire while the couple was married, according to the New York Times.

She held several high positions in Trump's businesses and wrote several books including "Raising Trump," a memoir of her marriage with Trump that was released in 2017.

The Trump children also issued a statement on the passing of their mother.

"Our mother was an incredible woman — a force in business, a world-class athlete, a radiant beauty, and caring mother and friend. Ivana Trump was a survivor. She fled from communism and embraced this country. She taught her children about grit and toughness, compassion and determination. She will be dearly missed by her mother, her three children and ten grandchildren," it said.