‘I am still in disbelief’… Crystal breaks her silence following Hugh Hefner’s death

Hugh Hefner passed away last week aged 91.

Since then, former playmates, friends, family and some well known celebrities have shared their sorrow for his passing as well as memories of parties at the iconic Playboy mansion, the famous grotto and what it was like to work with Hef. But today, almost a week since his death, Crystal Harris has spoken out for the first time following the passing of her husband. She told People: "I haven't been able to bring myself to write most people back to thank them for their condolences, I am heartbroken. I am still in disbelief." Crystal first met Hef when she became a playmate in 2010, the pair hit it off straight away and were set to marry in 2011 however, Crystal called the wedding off and the couple postponed the ceremony for a year, eventually tying the knot in December 2012. Despite the 60 year age gap, the 31-year-old described how devastated she is by the loss of her husband and how much he impacted her life for the better. "He was an American hero. A pioneer. A kind and humble soul who opened up his life and home to the world. 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. 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. There never has and never will be another Hugh M. Hefner." Hefner was laid to rest on Saturday at an intimate funeral of only close friends and family. He was then buried next to Marilyn Monroe in a crypt he bought for $75,000 in Westwood Village Memorial Park, Los Angeles.