Ivanka Trump became emotional during a recent interview as she spoke about her mother.
Donald Trump’s daughter appeared on the Diary of a CEO podcast, where she reflected on the late Ivana Trump.
Ivana married Trump in 1977. The pair divorced in 1990, and she later married Riccardo Mazzucchelli (1995–1997) and Rossano Rubicondi (2008–2009).
She and Trump had three children together: Donald Jr., Ivanka and Eric. Trump also shares Tiffany with his second wife, Marla Maples, and Barron with his current wife, Melania.
While speaking with host Steven Bartlett, Ivanka appeared visibly moved as she looked back on memories of her mom.
Ivana died on July 14, 2022, and Ivanka delivered a eulogy at her funeral.
“My mother taught me a lot about bringing intention to what you do,” Ivanka said on the podcast, before saying ‘sorry’ as she began to tear up.
After Bartlett showed her photos from her childhood with Ivana, she said: “I’m trying not to cry again.”
Ivanka continued: “She lived a good life. She was very joyful.”
She then described how her mother’s death affected her, saying: “Losing a parent. It hits differently, you know, especially unexpectedly, especially sort of post-COVID, which kind of robbed so many of us of so many years.”
She added: “We really keep her memory alive.”
Ivanka also shared that her grandmother, Marie Zelníčková — known by the nickname ‘Babi’ — lives with her and husband Jared Kushner in Florida.
“It’s a blessing to have her in our home and living with us,” Ivanka said.
“Her telling her stories and stories of my mother, who they sadly didn’t get to know.”
Becoming tearful again while discussing her grandmother, Ivanka said: “I have a lot of love for this woman.”
As she started to cry, she added: “This doesn’t happen to me often.
“She taught me so much about love. It’s been hard to see her now as she struggles.”
She then added that ‘maybe I’ll have a tissue’ before someone brought one over onto the set for her.
Ivanka previously served as an advisor during her father’s first presidency, but has not returned to the White House since he won a second term, explaining she wants to focus on family life.
She has also spoken about the period after leaving the White House in 2020, saying she sought therapy, and that her husband was diagnosed with thyroid cancer.