Rebecca Smith/Getty Images Ivana Trump
Just two weeks ago, Giuliano Zuliani noticed that Ivana Trump was not doing her best.
Zuliani owns Primola, an upscale Italian restaurant on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, just a short walk off E. 64th Street from the old Trump residence.
Trump is one of many celebrity patrons who have become acquainted with Zuliani, often stopping by with friends – but her recent visit was different.
“She didn’t look good,” Zuliani told People about the last time he saw her two weeks ago. “She could hardly walk.”
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“She didn’t eat her food,” he adds, noting that her favorites were oyster veal and pasta with tomato sauce. “I took her home with her.”
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Trump, 73, died suddenly on Thursday afternoon, shocking everyone who knew her.
A New York City coroner ruled on Friday that Trump’s death was accidental, citing injuries from the blunt force she was subjected to as the cause of her death. She had fallen down the stairs, found lonely and unresponsive when first responders arrived at the scene.
RELATED: Ivana Trump dies of severe injuries after falling down stairs, medical examiner determines
She may have been the most famous businesswoman in her 15-year marriage to former President Donald Trump from 1977 to 1992, but after their highly publicized divorce, she pursued new, independent opportunities – while keeping the Donald’s family name.
A talented childhood skater and former model, she already had her resume. When she left her executive position at the Trump Organization, she launched her own line of clothing, jewelry, and beauty products. She has also authored several books and worked in the magazine industry.
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With a crook mentality and no-regret lifestyle, her presence has always been known. That is why Zuliani was brought back when, two weeks ago, in Primula, her bold character was noticeably diminished, for reasons that are still unknown.
“It was sad to see her like this,” he says. “But even though she wasn’t feeling well, she was still very kind and polite to everyone.”