Hugh Hefner was an "American hero" says wife

A Worldwide Revolution

• "Hero" might be a tad strong . . . but then again maybe not. The sexual revolution pioneered by Hugh Hefner liberated a large part of the human race from the evils of the Taliban-Bible Thumper mentality that wants to control all we say and do.
• We have come full circle.  Hefner liberated 1950s men and women so we could enjoy each other's bodies. But now the "modern" elites have returned to 1950s Prudery calling everyone a sexist pig for enjoying the look of beautiful liberated women.

(People)  -  Crystal Hefner is opening up as she mourns husband Hugh Hefner, who died Wednesday at 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,” she tells PEOPLE exclusively. “We laid him to rest Saturday. He is in the place he was always certain he wanted to spend eternity.”

“He was an American hero. A pioneer. A kind and humble soul who opened up his life and home to the world,” she adds. “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.”

Crystal, 31, was the late publishing pioneer’s third wife. He was previously married to college sweetheart Millie Williams from 1949-59, followed by Playboy model Kimberley Conrad, whom he wed in July 1989. (Hugh and Conrad separated nine years later, though they remained legally wed for nearly 20 years until their divorce was finalized in 2010.)

“I join the world in mourning. I thank you for all of your condolences,” Crystal says. “To the people leaving sentiments at the front gate, we see you and grieve with you.”

Crystal made her debut in Playboy at age 24 as the magazine’s December 2009 Playmate. A year later, Hugh — 60 years her senior — announced their engagement on Twitter.

“After the movie tonight, Crystal & I exchanged gifts. I gave Crystal a ring. A truly memorable Christmas Eve,” he wrote. “When I gave Crystal the ring, she burst into tears. This is the happiest Christmas weekend in memory.”

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