Ivanka Trump recently spoke about a difficult period in her life following the death of her mother, Ivana Trump, and her husband’s health struggles. Ivana passed away in July 2022 at the age of 73 in her New York City apartment after suffering cardiac arrest.
Around the same time, Ivanka’s husband, Jared Kushner, was dealing with a second diagnosis of thyroid cancer, making it an emotionally intense phase for the family.
Turning to Therapy During Tough Times
Ivanka shared that she decided to go to therapy after facing multiple personal challenges, especially related to her husband’s health.
She explained that she has always been someone who stays strong and handles situations by compartmentalizing emotions, but therapy helped her take a step back and check in with herself. She described it as a way to slow down, reflect, and make sure she was also caring for her own emotional well-being during a stressful time.
Jared Kushner’s Health Struggles
Jared Kushner had previously battled thyroid cancer while working in the White House and underwent surgery in 2019 to remove a tumor. He later had a second surgery a few years after that. Ivanka mentioned that this diagnosis came during a time when their life was already going through major changes, as they had just left Washington and were adjusting to a new phase.
Remembering Ivana Trump
While speaking on the podcast, Ivanka became emotional as she remembered her mother, calling her “extraordinary.” She said Ivana lived life fully, with joy and confidence, and taught her the importance of being intentional in everything she does. Ivanka recalled her mother as someone who loved to dance, have fun, and truly enjoy life, and said that thinking about this helps her cope with the loss.
Keeping Her Mother’s Memory Alive
Ivanka shared that her family continues to keep Ivana’s memory alive, especially for her three children who didn’t get to know their grandmother well. She mentioned that her 99-year-old grandmother plays an important role in this by sharing stories about Ivana at home.
Ivanka also reflected on how, over time, she has started seeing her mother not just as a child who admired her, but as an adult who understands both her strengths and challenges.
