Ivana Trump Funeral: Will Melania Attend?

Following rumors that Melania Trump would not be attending the funeral of her husband Donald Trump’s ex-wife Ivana Trump, a source said she might be present during the ceremony.

Senior story producer Paula Froelich from NewsNation’s “Banfield” revealed in a report that the 52-year-old former first lady’s appearance would be in support of the 76-year-old former president.

“If Melania shows, and that’s a big ‘if,’ she’ll be there just to support Donald,” Froelich said, according to The Hill.

On Monday, the Slovene-American former model arrived in New York City alongside Donald, seemingly dressed for the funeral as the businessman appeared in an all-black suit, while Melania wore a white-collared shirt.

The couple rushed into Trump Tower located on Fifth Avenue, Manhattan, as they would be temporarily staying in their penthouse apartment, the Daily Mail reported.

Over the years, the businesswoman and Donald’s first wife did not have a good relationship. Both women had reportedly fought over the title of the “real first lady” in the early months of Donald’s reign as president.

According to Business Insider, Ivana claimed that she was “basically” the first Trump wife while promoting her memoir on “Good Morning America” in 2017. Hence, she took the time to congratulate her former husband and his third wife.

However, Melania’s spokesperson responded with an “angry-sounding” statement, insisting that Ivana was just a “lowly ex.”

"Mrs. Trump made the White House a home for Barron and the President," the statement indicated. "She loves living in Washington, DC and is honored by her role as First Lady of the United States. She plans to use her title and role to help children, not sell books."

The statement continued, "There is clearly no substance to this statement from an ex. Unfortunately, only attention-seeking and self-serving noise."

Meanwhile, preparations for Ivana’s funeral are all set, for family and friends will gather on Wednesday at New York City’s St. Vincent Ferrer Church.

R. Couri Hay, a society columnist who knew the former model for more than 40 years, told People that the funeral would celebrate her “dazzling legacy” in an invite-only service.

"We are really grateful to the family, especially her children, for arranging this big, glamorous send-off with all of her friends," Hay said, "This would have been what she wanted."

Ivana’s three children, Donald Trump Jr., 44, Ivanka Trump, 40, and Eric Trump, 38, confirmed their attendance alongside their father, Donald Trump.

The Trump family also requested guests to make donations to Big Dog Ranch Rescue, a Florida-based nonprofit organization for homeless dogs that had a longstanding relationship with Ivana.

After her passing, the former business tycoon wrote that she "was philanthropically involved with many charities throughout her entire life, but always remained steadfast and passionate in her love for animals."

"She would be happy, as are all her friends, that she is getting a fitting funeral," Hay said, "It's all a tribute to her."

At 73, Ivana was found dead at the bottom of the staircase in her Upper East Side apartment last week. A medical examiner confirmed in an official statement that her death was accidental and that she died due to “blunt impact injuries” to her torso.