Hugh Hefner's wife Chrystal Harris has broken her silence after his death

Hugh Hefner's wife Crystal has broken her silence after the death of her Playboy founder husband.

The 31-year-old said she was "heartbroken" and "in disbelief" after Hefner's death last week, aged 91.

"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," the former Playmate said in a statement.

"We laid him to rest Saturday," Crystal said, of the private funeral attended by his wife, four children and close members of his Playboy staff.

"He is in the place he was always certain he wanted to spend eternity," she said.



Crystal described Hef - who she married in 2012 - as "an American hero" and a "pioneer". "A kind and humble soul who opened up his life and home to the world," Crystal said.

"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."

This article was first published on nzherald.co.nz and is republished here with permission.