Donald Trump’s second wife, Marla Maples, largely disappeared from the public eye after their marriage ended, choosing a quieter and more private life focused on raising her daughter, Tiffany Trump. While her relationship with Donald Trump once dominated headlines, the years following their divorce tell a very different story—one centered on family, wellness, personal growth, and finding purpose away from the spotlight.
Marla Maples was born on October 27, 1963, in Cohutta, Georgia. She has often described her childhood as “storybook-perfect,” growing up in a close-knit community where family values and a simple lifestyle shaped her early years. Blessed with natural beauty and charisma, she became a standout student in high school, earning the title of homecoming queen while also excelling in sports.
Marla first met Donald Trump in 1985. At the time, Trump was still married to his first wife, Ivana Trump. According to Marla, there was an immediate connection between them, although she believed the timing was not right. Over the years, they stayed in touch and gradually grew closer.
After enrolling at the University of Georgia to study marketing, Marla decided to leave college before graduating. She set her sights on New York City, hoping to build a career in entertainment and modeling. It was a decision that would dramatically change the course of her life.
By the late 1980s, their relationship had become one of the most talked-about stories in New York. Media coverage intensified as rumors of problems in Donald and Ivana Trump’s marriage spread. Marla later recalled that the public attention and controversy surrounding the relationship were extremely difficult to handle.
Despite the scrutiny, Marla and Donald continued their relationship. In October 1993, they welcomed their daughter, Tiffany Trump. Just a few months later, on December 20, 1993, the couple married in a lavish ceremony at the Plaza Hotel in New York City.
Although they appeared happy in public, the marriage faced challenges from the beginning. Marla later admitted that she and Donald were very different people with different lifestyles and priorities. After several years together, they realized they were not the right match for one another.
The couple separated in 1997, and their divorce was finalized in 1999. Their marriage had been governed by a prenuptial agreement that reportedly limited the financial settlement Marla would receive. While the divorce attracted significant media attention, Marla chose not to engage in public disputes and instead focused her energy on raising Tiffany.
Following the divorce, Marla relocated to California with her daughter. Living in the Los Angeles area, she deliberately created a life that was very different from the glamorous world she had experienced during her years with Donald Trump. She wanted Tiffany to enjoy a more normal childhood, away from constant media attention.
Marla embraced a lifestyle inspired by her Southern upbringing. She cooked organic meals, spent quality time with her daughter, and focused on creating a stable family environment. Tiffany later praised her mother for providing a grounded and loving childhood despite the extraordinary circumstances surrounding their family.
As a single mother, Marla faced many challenges but remained determined to give her daughter the best possible life. She also encouraged Tiffany to maintain a relationship with her father, regularly arranging visits and making sure she had opportunities to spend time with him.
Throughout the years, Marla continued working in entertainment. She appeared in television shows and films, including Dallas, Clueless, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. She also worked as a television personality and interviewer, demonstrating talents beyond acting and modeling.
In addition to her television work, Marla pursued a passion for music. In 2013, she released an inspirational album titled The Endless. Three years later, she appeared on Dancing with the Stars, introducing herself to a new generation of viewers.
As time passed, Marla became increasingly focused on health, wellness, spirituality, and personal development. She built a reputation as an advocate for healthy living, often sharing insights about nutrition, yoga, meditation, and holistic well-being. Her social media presence reflects these interests, offering followers a glimpse into her active and mindful lifestyle.
Although she remained connected to public life, Marla generally avoided political involvement. However, she occasionally supported wellness initiatives and continued building relationships within health and personal-development communities.
Today, Marla Maples lives a life centered on purpose, wellness, and family. Now 62 years old, she has returned to New York, where she is developing SoulShine Journeys, a spiritual travel venture designed to help participants reconnect with themselves through reflection, mindfulness, and personal growth experiences.
One of the happiest moments of her recent life came in 2025 when she became a grandmother for the first time. Her daughter, Tiffany Trump, and Tiffany’s husband, Michael Boulos, welcomed their son, Alexander Trump Boulos, on May 15, 2025. Marla enthusiastically embraced her new role, affectionately referring to herself as “Gran Mar Mar.”
Looking back, Marla Maples’ journey has been remarkable. Once known primarily as Donald Trump’s second wife, she has spent the past two decades building an identity that extends far beyond that chapter of her life. From raising her daughter as a single mother to pursuing wellness, spirituality, and personal growth, Marla has chosen a path defined less by fame and more by family, balance, and self-discovery.
Today, her story serves as an example of how life can evolve after public scrutiny, proving that sometimes the most meaningful chapters begin after the spotlight fades.