Engagements are in the air.
Crystal Hefner, now 39 and the widow of Hugh Hefner, is gearing up to marry again.
She’s engaged to James Ward after dating for a year, which is quite a significant milestone, especially considering it’s been seven years since Hugh, the founder of Playboy, passed away at the age of 91.
James, a marine biologist, proposed with a stunning six-carat diamond ring, celebrating their anniversary after a month-long trip in Africa.
Crystal shared the news in an interview, showcasing her vintage ring. The details will be available in a feature on May 2nd, so stay tuned!
The proposal took place on a beach deck at her home in Hawaii, where they made some lovely memories together.
On April 29th, just days before her birthday, James knelt down to ask for her hand.
She described the proposal as a “surprise” and called it a “full surakal moment.”
“He blew me away,” Crystal recounted. “He built this handmade deck with hidden paths and breathtaking views of the ocean.”
The spot held special significance for them, as it was where they enjoyed a quiet picnic the previous year. “It became our place,” she said. “We thought we were just going for a stroll, but when I saw the flowers and the handwritten notes, I knew something big was coming.”
As she approached the end of the new path adorned with notes, she initially thought this was just an elaborate birthday surprise.
“But as I read the note, it hinted at more—when I realized he crafted all of this just for the moment, I was truly overwhelmed,” she explained.
She had no idea, not until he got down on one knee.
“We spent so much time in Africa, thinking we were on a calming getaway, while he was planning this intricate proposal,” she remarked, still amazed at how seamlessly he pulled it off. “I had told him I’ve never really been surprised before, and he met the challenge.”
Reflecting on her previous marriage, she noted that her union with Hugh felt more like a performance than a genuine partnership. “This chapter is different; it feels more real,” she expressed. “My first wedding was more about public perception than sharing a life together. I didn’t even wear white; it didn’t feel like a meaningful milestone.”
“This time, with James, it’s completely different. We’re best friends, supporting and laughing at life together,” she added. “Our wedding will reflect that love.”
While she’s excited, Crystal is clear that they’re not rushing into saying “I do” just yet.
The couple plans to take their time, possibly aiming for a wedding in 2026.
Crystal and James began their relationship in 2024, thanks to some mutual friends.
After Hugh’s passing in 2017, the former model made a new home in Hawaii.
She had been married to Hugh for five years, tying the knot in December 2012, and remained with him until his death.
