Ivana Trump funeral plans are set
(NewsNation) — Friends and family of Ivana Trump will gather Wednesday at New York City’s St. Vincent Ferrer Church to celebrate her legacy.
At the age of 73, the former model was found dead near stairs in her apartment last week. A medical examiner ruled Trump’s death an accident. She died of “blunt impact injuries” to her torso, according to an official release from the medical examiner’s office.
Ivana was the first wife of former President Donald Trump. The couple was married from 1977 to 1992 and had three children together, as well as nine grandchildren.
Donald and Melania Trump landed in New York City on Monday night and will be in attendance at the funeral, “Banfield” senior story producer Paula Froelich confirmed.
“If Melania shows, and that’s a big ‘if,’ she’ll be there just to support Donald,” Froelich said.
People magazine also confirmed that her three children, Donald Jr., Eric and Ivanka, all plan to attend the funeral.
Froelich believes that the funeral will be “fabulous” and compared it to Joan Rivers’ funeral, which attracted stars including Hugh Jackman, Whoopi Goldberg, Kelly Osbourne and Sarah Jessica Parker.
“Everyone in New York was there. Her coffin was let out by the New York police marching band, and they closed down 5th Avenue for it.”
NewsNation spoke to a friend of Ivana’s who flew in from Los Angeles for the service.
“I’m taking the red eye tonight. The family just said, ‘Get here as fast as you can. You can stay with us… We’ll fill you in when you get here,'” the friend told NewsNation.
Following the funeral, the Trump family plans to hold a small and private burial for Ivana in New Jersey. It is expected that only 15-20 people will be there.
Trump is known to have numerous golf properties in New Jersey. In 2017, the Washington Post reported that New Jersey’s Bedminster Township approved Trump’s plan to build a 284-grave cemetery for the public next to one of his golf courses.
Sources also tell NewsNation that Trump is planning to speak at the service.
Before the world knew Ivana as Mrs. Trump, she was a competitive skier, starting as a child, in Czechoslovakia.
During an interview with the New York Post, Ivanka Trump said that her mom Ivana was a “world-class athlete” before marriage.
Instead of bringing flowers to the funeral, the Trump family has requested that guests donate to Big Dog Ranch Rescue.
“Ivana was philanthropically involved with many charities throughout her entire life, but always remained steadfast and passionate in her love for animals. In lieu of flowers, we kindly ask you to support Ivana in her mission to help dogs and donate to Big Dog Rescue Ranch,” the donation page reads.