Hugh Hefner’s widow Crystal has described her late husband as an “American hero” following his death at age 91 last week.
“I felt how much he loved me. I loved him so much. I am so grateful. He gave me life. He gave me direction. He taught me kindness,” Crystal tells People. “I will feel eternally grateful to have been by his side, holding his hand, and telling him how much I love him. He changed my life, he saved my life. He made me feel loved every single day. He was a beacon to the world, a force unlike anything else.”
She adds, “There never has and never will be another Hugh M. Hefner.”
Hugh and Crystal tied the knot in front of family and friends on New Year’s Eve 2012 at the Playboy Mansion. At the time, Hef was 86 and Crystal was 26.