The New York real estate tycoon and casino operator, age 50, and his 33-year-old former beauty queen are separating, but insist their split is an amicable one. "After a long relationship and three and one-half years of marriage, we have decided to separate as friends," their joint statement reads, in part.
The New York tabloids say the relationship never recovered from an April, 1996 incident involving Ms. Maples, a hunky bodyguard and a secluded beach late at night. This, allegedly, from a woman who once said Trump was "the best sex I ever had."
It's been a road strewn with potholes and diamonds for the two, who started an affair back in 1988 while Trump was still married to Ivana, mother of three of his children. Ivana, of the beehive hairdo, divorced Trump and walked away with more than $50 million back in 1990.
Trump went on to break up and make up with Maples, a former Georgia beauty-pageant winner. First came the carriage, with daughter Tiffany born four years ago, then the marriage--in December of 1993. Trump said Long Island mass murderer Colin Ferguson had inspired him to tie the knot.
And now this. Should divorce proceedings ensue, Maples is entitled to between $1 million and $5 million, thanks to her prenuptial agreement. Trump is said to be worth $2.5 billion.
But there's likely to be a battle over custody of Tiffany--and maybe the Miss USA beauty pageant which Donald and CBS own. She co-hosted the show last year. Wonder if she'll be back.