The former model has publicly revealed a cancer diagnosis, sharing the news in a heartfelt Instagram post. She is now leaning on family for support as she works closely with her medical team.
She has spent years quietly raising five children, staying largely out of the spotlight — but now, Vanessa Trump has something important she can no longer keep to herself.
On Thursday, May 21, the 48-year-old former model and ex-wife of Donald Trump Jr. shared a deeply personal announcement on Instagram, revealing that she has been diagnosed with cancer.
“I’ve recently been diagnosed with breast cancer,” she wrote in a statement posted to her account. “While this isn’t news anyone expects, I’m working closely with my medical team on a treatment plan.”
Vanessa went on to thank her doctors for performing a procedure earlier this week. She described herself as “staying focused and hopeful” while surrounded by the love of her family and those closest to her.
She closed with a message that felt both firm and gracious:
The post drew an outpouring of support almost immediately, with thousands of followers flooding the comments section with messages of love and encouragement.
“God bless you in this fight,” one follower urged. “Praying for you, Vanessa ❤️,” another wrote tenderly. “I am so sorry. Praying 🙏,” a third commenter expressed with quiet grief.
Perhaps the most high-profile response came from Ivanka Trump, who wrote, “Praying for your continued strength and a swift recovery. Love you mama.”
Kai Trump, Vanessa’s eldest daughter, also weighed in with characteristic warmth, writing, “Love you! Strongest person ever ❤️.”
Vanessa is a mother to five children — Kai, 19; Donald, 17; Tristan, 14; Spencer, 13; and Chloe, 11 — all of whom she shares with her ex-husband, Donald Jr.
The pair were married in 2005 and went on to build a large family together, welcoming their fifth and youngest child, Chloe Sophia, in June 2014. At the time, Donald Jr. excitedly described the arrival as bringing home “our little bundle of joy” on social media.
The marriage, however, did not last. Vanessa filed for divorce in March 2018, and the case, initially listed as uncontested before being reclassified, made its way to a New York courtroom that July.
State Supreme Court Justice Michael Katz praised the couple for resolving all matters relating to their five children and parental rights without putting the kids through what he called an “invasive legal process.”
The couple entered and left the courthouse together that day, and both smiled throughout the brief proceeding. In a joint statement, the two said they would “always have tremendous respect for each other.”
Since the divorce, Vanessa has maintained a low profile, focusing her energy on her children and keeping personal matters largely away from the public eye.
More recently, however, she has been linked romantically to golf legend Tiger Woods, 50, in a relationship that sources describe as serious and loving.
Insiders describe the relationship as grounded and mutually supportive, with Vanessa’s five children said to be “like family” to Tiger — particularly Kai, a dedicated golfer around the same age as Tiger’s own kids, Sam Alexis, 18, and Charlie, 17, whom he shares with ex-wife Elin Nordegren.
A source noted that both Vanessa and Tiger are “extremely golf-oriented,” and that their shared passion for the sport has helped sustain them even through turbulent stretches. “There is no question that they are in love and that their mutual interest in golf has helped even in the hard times,” the insider told People.
And there have been hard times. Earlier this year, Tiger was involved in a rollover car crash and faced a DUI charge — a very public and serious stumble for one of the most celebrated athletes in the world.
He broke his silence on the March 27 incident four days later, posting a statement on social media in which he acknowledged the gravity of his situation.
“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,” he wrote. “I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health.”
He added that the step was “necessary in order to prioritize [his] well-being and work toward lasting recovery,” and asked for privacy for his family and loved ones.
Tiger subsequently spent six weeks abroad receiving treatment before returning to Jupiter, Florida, in May 2026. According to another source who spoke to People, nothing changed between him and Vanessa during the time apart.
“Vanessa and Tiger are in love, still serious, and happy to see each other,” the insider said, adding that Vanessa “is eager to help him continue with his progress and move beyond any more public scandals — which they both dislike intensely.”
The source confirmed the couple stayed in regular contact throughout, noting that Tiger returned home in good spirits and eager to put the legal issues behind him — and, characteristically, already thinking about getting back on the golf course.
Now, as Vanessa faces what is perhaps the most personal challenge of her life, those closest to her appear firmly in her corner. She has also made it clear that she is not facing this alone — her medical team, her children, and the people she loves most are all by her side.
And if the flood of support that followed her announcement is any indication, the wider public is rooting for her too.
