Ivana Trump, Donald Trump's first wife and mother of his three eldest children, has died

Ivana Trump, the skier-turned-businesswoman who was the first wife of former US President Donald Trump and mother of his three eldest children, has died in New York City. 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," Donald Trump announced.

"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!"

Their children also released a statement, calling her "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," the statement continued. "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."

A Czech-born ski racer and sometime model, Ivana Trump married the future president in 1977.

Their marriage ended after intense media speculation over Trump's affair with actress and model Marla Maples.