Hugh Hefner, the iconic founder of the Playboy empire, died of natural causes on Wednesday, September 27 at the age of 91. He was married three times and is survived by his 31-year-old wife, Crystal Hefner. Even though Hefner was married to only three women, he was romantically connected to many women over the years. After his death, a lot of women spoke out about their love for the Playboy creator and how they succeeded in their careers because of him.

Hugh's widow, Crystal Hefner

Hugh and Crystal Harris wed in 2012. At the time, she was 26 and he was 86.

If the math is correct, he was 60 years older than his wife. Hugh and Crystal had a long history together. They began dating in December 2009, the same month she was the "Playmate of the Month" when she was 22 and he was 82. At the time, Hugh was also dating the Shannon twins. Once he and Crystal became serious about each other, he gave up Kristina and Karissa Shannon, and Crystal became his main girlfriend.

They became engaged in 2010 when Hugh proposed with a $90,000 engagement ring. They planned to get married a year later. That didn't happen because Crystal got cold feet and backed out just five days before the wedding. They did get married at the Playboy Mansion on New Year's Eve 2012.

Even though the couple got off to a rocky start, those close to them said they were happy together.

Hefner's widow is very talented and wears many hats that keep her busy. She is a singer, model, travel blogger and an advocate for the awareness of Lyme disease because she was diagnosed with it in 2016. She has not made music since 2015. Her husband's voice can be heard on her last song "Pick Up Lines."

Hefner's wealth

Over the years, Hefner's wealth has gone up and down.

In the 1970s, he was worth $200 million. At the time of his death, Hefner's wealth was estimated to be between $50 million and $110 million with about $45 million of that in liquid assets. Since his widow will receive none of his riches, who will inherit it?

The money Hugh left behind will go to his four children from his first two marriages, the film school at the University of Southern California, and a number of different charities.

Cooper Hefner, the 26-year-old son, is Playboy's chief creative officer. He spoke kind words about his stepmother in his tribute to his father that was posted on Twitter on Thursday. Cooper is the youngest child of the Hefner siblings. The others are Christie, David, and Marston.

Hefner died in his home in Los Angeles, California surrounded by family members and friends. He made arrangements and paid $75,000 for his ashes to be buried beside Marilyn Monroe's crypt. In 2009, he told the Los Angeles Times that he wanted to spend eternity next to the movie star. In death, as in life, Hefner wanted to be near a beautiful woman.
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