Ivana Trump, ex-wife of Donald Trump, dead at 73

July 14 (UPI) -- Ivana Trump, the ex-wife of former President Donald Trump, died on Thursday, her family announced. She was 73 years old.

The Trump family recalled Ivana Trump, the first wife of the former president and mother to his eldest children, Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump and Ivanka Trump, as "an incredible woman -- a force in business, a world-class athlete, a radiant beauty and a caring mother and friend," in a statement shared on Instagram Thursday.

"Ivana Trump was a survivor. She fled from communism and embraced this country. She taught her children about grit and toughness, compassion and determination," the family said. "She will be dearly missed by her mother, her three children and ten grandchildren."

Manhattan paramedics found a 73-year-old woman in the Upper East Side apartment where Ivana Trump lived while responding to a call for cardiac arrest just after 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, the New York City Fire Department said, according to ABC News.

Ivanka Trump said she was "heartbroken" about the death of her mother.

"Mom was brilliant, charming, passionate and wickedly funny. She lived life to the fullest -- never forgoing an opportunity to laugh and dance. I will miss her forever and will keep her memory alive in our hearts always," she tweeted.

Eric Trump shared several photos of his mother from when he was younger on Instagram along with the family statement.

"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 said in a post on his social media platform Truth Social. "She was a wonderful, beautiful and amazing woman, who led a great and inspirational life."

Born Ivana MareIvana Marie Zelnickova in the former Czechoslovakia, she left the country in 1970 and worked as a model.

She then married Donald Trump in 1977 and held key positions in the Trump Organization, including acting as CEO of Trump's Castle in Atlantic City and helping to design interiors for the Grand Hyatt Hotel and Trump Tower.

Ivana Trump also created her own clothing line and authored several bestselling books.

She and Donald Trump divorced in 1992.

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