Crystal Hefner is engaged! The former Playboy model and widow of Hugh Hefner has found love again with marine biologist James Ward, and their engagement story is nothing short of a fairytale.
After a year of dating, James proposed to Crystal, 39, earlier this April on a private, handcrafted deck overlooking the ocean at her Hawaii home — the very spot where they had their first romantic picnic one year ago.
“It truly feels like a full-circle moment,” Crystal shared exclusively with Us Weekly. “I had no idea he was secretly transforming our special place into a permanent memory.”
Ward surprised her with a 6-carat vintage mine-cut diamond ring, elegantly set on a whisper-thin band. The touching proposal included handwritten love notes lining a hidden trail that led her to the cliffside deck. The deck had been custom-built by James himself with help from local artisans while the couple was vacationing in Africa for their first anniversary.
Crystal admitted she was completely unsuspecting, saying,
“I thought it was an early birthday surprise — until I saw the flowers, the final note, and the breathtaking view. I knew something extraordinary was happening.”
James’s love notes melted hearts, with one reading:
“Let’s build a life together in this magical place, or wherever life takes us.”
The couple plans to enjoy their engagement before tying the knot, likely in 2026, with dreams of an intimate, outdoor wedding filled with love, meaning, and deep connection.
This marks a beautiful new chapter for Crystal, who was previously married to Playboy founder Hugh Hefner from 2012 until his passing in 2017. After moving to Hawaii to start over, she met Ward through mutual friends in April 2024, and the two quickly bonded over their love for nature and meaningful connection.
“I’m still amazed he pulled it off so seamlessly,” Crystal said of the surprise. “I told him I had never truly been surprised — and he absolutely delivered.”
