Crystal Harris, the widow of Hugh Hefner, has tied the knot again after previously making candid remarks about her marriage to the Playboy founder, which lasted five years.
Harris first met Hefner when she was in her 20s, while he was 60. The two married in 2012, and stayed together until Hefner died in 2017 at the age of 91 after a heart attack.
In the years since his death, Harris has been open about what life was like at the Playboy Mansion and how she experienced her relationship with Hefner.
She has previously said she felt “imprisoned” during that period — an account that has also been reflected by some of Hefner’s former girlfriends and other Playboy Playmates.
More recently, Harris has begun a new chapter, marrying Hawaiian businessman James Ward in a ceremony held in the Cook Islands.
The couple chose to elope in Aitutaki, a tropical location they visited for their wedding on Thursday (April 2).
Explaining why they opted for a private ceremony with no guests, Harris told People: “We chose the Cook Islands because of how remote it is. There are no big chain hotels, which makes it feel incredibly peaceful and authentic.
“It’s also home to one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world. Since James and I both love the ocean and nature it felt like the perfect place for us to start this chapter of our lives.”
Harris has also previously spoken to People about her relationship with Ward after five months of dating, saying he respects her emotionally, and reiterating that she was never in love with Hefner.
“With James, my feelings are valued, validated. I am seen and I am heard,” the 39-year-old said.
“I’m nurturing the real me, my adventurous spirit, my inner child. I feel like I’ve become the person I always needed when I was growing up.
“I feel accepted and more myself than ever before.”
Ward also shared his feelings about Harris in comments to People, speaking about their relationship after the wedding.
He said: “Crystal’s heart, specifically for me and all non-human living things, is a thing to behold. All creatures, great and small are bestowed a generosity and kindness, the likes of which I’ve never seen.
“She’s the classiest, brainiest, most adventure-seeking partner I could have ever hoped to find. My life is now better in every way, and I feel like the luckiest guy alive that I get to spend my life with her.”