Ivanka Trump stands by former sister-in-law Vanessa as she reveals breast cancer diagnosis

By STEPHEN M. LEPORE, US SENIOR REPORTER and JOE HUTCHISON, US SENIOR NEWS REPORTER Published: 06:38, 21 May 2026 | Updated: 06:41, 21 May 2026 Ivanka Trump stood by her former sister-in-law Vanessa with a show of support after she revealed she has been diagnosed with breast cancer.  Vanessa - the ex-wife of President Donald Trump's eldest son, Don Jr. - revealed on Wednesday that she was 'working closely' with doctors on a treatment plan.  The mom-of-five, who is dating golf legend Tiger Woods, made the admission in a post to Instagram Wednesday, saying she had undergone a 'procedure' this week.  Ivanka was the first member of the family to express support for Vanessa on social media.  She said: 'Praying for your continued strength and a swift recovery. Love you mama,' she commented on Vanessa's Instagram post.   Vanessa's post read: 'I want to share a personal health update. I've recently been diagnosed with breast cancer. While this isn't news anyone expects, I'm working closely with my medical team on a treatment plan,' she said. Vanessa added that she was grateful to her doctors for performing the procedure.  'I am staying focused and hopeful while surrounded by the love and support of my family, my kids and those closest to me. Thank you for your kindness and support, it truly means more than I can express.' Ivanka was quick to support her former sister-in-law after she went public with her diagnosis Vanessa announced Wednesday that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer Vanessa made the admission, saying she had undergone 'a procedure earlier this week' in a post to Instagram earlier Wednesday She also asked for privacy while she focused on recovering.  Eldest daughter Kai posted a photo of herself with her mom to Instagram with the caption: 'Strongest person I know. Love you.'  The Daily Mail has reached out to the White House and Donald Trump Jr for comment.  Trump Jr is set to remarry to socialite Bettina Anderson over Memorial Day Weekend.   Woods, a 15-time major champion, has just completed an intensive rehabilitation program in Zurich after being charged with driving under the influence following a car crash near his home in Jupiter, Florida on March 27. Police reportedly found prescription opioid pills in his possession at the time of the arrest, which he had been using to manage chronic injury pain. Woods has pleaded not guilty to DUI. Woods left rehab early to attend the graduation ceremony for Trump's eldest daughter, 19-year-old fellow golfer Kai.   And despite his arrest and rehab trip, a source has told People that she remains head over heels for Tiger. Should public figures share personal health battles, or keep them private for their family's sake? Former sister-in-law Ivanka Trump was the first member of the family to express support on social media Vanessa - who is dating golf legend Tiger Woods - made the admission in a post to Instagram Wednesday, saying she had undergone 'a procedure earlier this week' Woods, a 15-time major champion, has just completed an intensive rehabilitation program in Zurich after being charged with driving under the influence following a car crash near his home in Jupiter, Florida on March 27 'Vanessa and Tiger are in love, still serious, and happy to see each other,' the insider is quoted as saying. '[She] is eager to help him continue with his progress and move beyond any more public scandals — which they both dislike intensely.' The source added that Woods took his trip 'seriously' and is 'all about continuing his recovery and putting this chapter behind him.'  'He is in good spirits and also can't wait to put the legal issues to rest,' they said. There had been speculation that the relationship was on the rocks, but Vanessa quickly rubbished that talk by throwing her support behind Woods on Instagram after his arrest. A week after the incident, she shared a loved-up photo of them together on Instagram and wrote: 'Love you'.  Nevertheless, the Daily Mail later confirmed that Vanessa was adamant Woods needed thorough professional help and wouldn't stand for history repeating itself once more. Vanessa has five children with the son of the president in Kai, 19; Donald, 17; Tristan, 14; Spencer, 13; and Chloe, 11.  Vanessa has five children with the son of the president in Kai (pictured), 19; Donald, 17; Tristan, 14; Spencer, 13; and Chloe, 11 Ex-husband Donald Trump Jr and fiancée Bettina Anderson's are set to marry over Memorial Day Weekend In recent weeks, Vanessa and Kai have been seen posing for photos at both her daughter's birthday and her final prom.   The couple said 'I do' in front of family and friends at the Trump family's Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach in 2005. They separated in 2018. Don Jr and Vanessa were estranged for close to a year before the divorce, but their split was amiable.  The two have been seen together multiple times on holidays and out with their children. Don Jr went on to have a very public relationship with Kimberly Guilfoyle before getting engaged to Anderson. Palm Beach socialite and charity stalwart Anderson and Trump Jr became engaged in December 2025, with the groom-to-be dropping to one knee and popping the question with an eight-carat diamond ring. It was exactly a year after the Daily Mail's exclusive photos of the couple holding hands coming out of a restaurant in the ritzy Florida beach town, which confirmed our earlier revelation about them being a newly-minted couple. No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? 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