Hugh Hefner remembered by widow Crystal Hefner as she pays tribute to a ‘legend’

Hugh Hefner remembered by widow Crystal Hefner as she pays tribute to a ‘legend’

Celebs

Hugh Hefner remembered by widow Crystal Hefner as she pays tribute to a ‘legend’

Crystal Hefner has paid tribute to the founder of Playboy, Hugh Hefner, who died three years ago, labelling the controversial character a “legend”

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Playboy founder Hugh Hefner has been remembered by the wife he left behind, Crystal Hefner, on the third anniversary of his death.

The 34-year-old former Playmate was Hugh’s third wife and she paid a loving tribute to her late husband on Sunday in an Instagram post.

Writing on the social media site, Crystal wrote: “Three years. It’s hard to believe. Thank you for always being my greatest ally, teaching me the definition of kindness, and making me feel extremely important and adored for ten years. I will be forever grateful.”

In her Instagram Stories, Crystal also referred to Hugh as a “legend”.

Hugh was 91-years-old when he “peacefully passed away today from natural causes at his home, The Playboy Mansion, surrounded by loved ones,” in 2017, according to a rep for the controversial character.

Hugh’s son Cooper, 29, also paid tribute by sharing a thrownback photo of the Playboy Mansion.

He wrote alongside the pic: “We lost our father three years ago today.

“This will be an afternoon accompanied by Jack and Pepsi to celebrate him and our continued love. We miss and love you, Dad.”

Crystal was the December 2009 Playmate when she made her debut in the magazine, aged 24.

There was a 60-year age difference when she got engaged to Hugh in 2010 but she called off the ceremony just four days before they were due to marry in June 2011.

They reconciled again and were married on New Year’s Eve in 2012.

Hugh had previously been married to Millie Williams from 1949 to 1959, who was his college sweetheart.

He also married model Kimberley Conrad between 1989 and 2010.

After marrying Crystal, Hugh spent a quieter life at home and spent less time in the spotlight.

A source told People at the time: “Crystal was his constant companion. She was extremely devoted to him.”

Crystal has now found love again and has gone official with her boyfriend Nathan Levi over the summer.

They were seen kissing on the beach at the Casa de Mita resort in Mexico in July.

She then made the relationship Instagram official by sharing a photo of them both with the caption: “You feel like home⁣.”

On Levi’s 32nd birthday in August, the couple celebrated at the Four Seasons hotel in Punta Mita, Mexico.

Crystal wrote on social media at the time: “Happy birthday to my favorite person. Glad we could get away together for your special day.”