Hugh Hefner's widow, Crystal Hefner, 39, engaged 7 years after Playboy founder's death
Hugh Hefner's widow is ready to walk down the aisle again.
Crystal Hefner, 39, is engaged to James Ward after one year of dating — and seven years after the Playboy founder died at 91.
8 The pair began dating in 2024.
Crystal Hefner/Instagram
The marine biologist popped the question with a six-carat diamond ring on Friday, April 25, after spending a month in Africa to celebrate their first anniversary.
Hefner confirmed the engagement and shared her vintage sparkler in an interview with Us Weekly published Friday, May 2.
Ward got down on one knee at the former Playboy model's home in Hawaii on the seaside deck he built her.
The engagement took place just days before Hefner turned 39 on April 29.
She spilled all about her romantic 'surprise' proposal, calling it a 'full-circle moment.'
8 James Ward proposed just days before Crystal Hefner's 39th birthday.
Crystal Hefner/Instagram
8 He popped the question with a six-carat engagement ring.
Getty Images
'James completely surprised me. He had a hidden staircase and a winding trail cleared to reveal a handcrafted deck perched above a dramatic cliffside overlooking the ocean,' the former 'Girls Next Door' star told Us Weekly.
Hefner revealed the special meaning behind the proposal location.
'It was the exact spot where we'd had a quiet picnic together a year ago — a place that became 'ours,'' she said. 'I had no idea he was secretly turning it into something permanent and symbolic. I thought we were just going for a walk, but when I saw the flowers, the handwritten notes, and the sea stretching endlessly in front of us, I knew something extraordinary was about to happen.'
8 She said her wedding with Ward would be nothing like the ceremony with Hefner.
Crystal Hefner/Instagram
The ex-model said as she made her way down the path, she was 'puzzled' to discover a new staircase dressed with handwritten notes that were 'deeply heartfelt' that overwhelmed her with emotion — but she thought it was an early birthday surprise.
'I was already tearing up when I reached the final card, which was waiting for me on the deck, overlooking the waves. At first, I thought it was an early birthday surprise,' Hefner explained. 'But the words in the notes gently hinted at something more. And when I realized he had built an entire deck just to create a space for this moment, I was overwhelmed. It was one of the most thoughtful things anyone has ever done for me.'
She 'didn't suspect a thing' until her now husband-to-be dropped to one knee.
8 Crystal Hefner said she was surprised by the proposal.
LSFL / Splash News
8 She married Hugh Hefner in 2012.
Getty Images for Playboy
8 Kristina Shannon, Karissa Shannon, Hugh Hefner and Crystal Harris attends Hugh Hefner's 83rd birthday.
WireImage
'The whole time we were [on a vacation] in Africa, I thought we were having a peaceful, unplugged adventure — but behind the scenes, he was coordinating this incredibly elaborate and meaningful proposal back home,' the future Mrs. Ward joked. 'I'm still amazed he pulled it off so seamlessly. I had told him I had never really been surprised before, so I think he felt like the challenge was accepted.'
Hefner also compared her engagements, saying that her wedding with Hefner felt 'more about public perception than genuine partnership.'
'This chapter feels like real life — in the most grounded, beautiful, and emotionally honest way,' she shared. 'My first wedding was part of a chapter that felt performative, more about public perception than genuine partnership. I didn't even wear white. It didn't feel like a sacred milestone; it felt like playing a role in someone else's story.
8 She remained married to Hugh Hefner until his death in 2017 at age 91.
WireImage
Hefner continued, 'This time, with James, it's completely different. We're best friends. We laugh, support each other and navigate life hand-in-hand. Our wedding will reflect that — simple, heartfelt, and full of love. Not a show, but a celebration of the life we've built together.'
Despite her excitement, Hefner revealed she has no immediate plans to say 'I do.'
The couple said they plan to 'enjoy being engaged for awhile,' with a possible wedding ceremony coming in 2026.
Crystal and Ward started dating in 2024 after being introduced by mutual friends.
The ex-Playboy model moved to Hawaii after Hugh died in 2017.
She was married to the business model for five years before his passing. They tied the knot in December 2012 and remained married until his death.
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