Crystal Hefner, the widow of the famous Playboy founder Hugh Hefner, is engaged again, and it’s as romantic as it gets. Crystal is all set to tie the knot with James Ward, her boyfriend of one year. According to reports, James popped the question on April 25 in a beautiful and emotional proposal at Hugh Hefner’s former home in Hawaii. He didn’t hold back — he proposed with a stunning six-carat vintage diamond ring on a super delicate band.
Crystal shared with US Weekly that the entire setup felt like something out of a fairytale. She said it was a “full-circle moment” for her and that she had absolutely no idea what was coming. James had gone all out: he had a secret staircase built and a winding path cleared that led to a handcrafted wooden deck overlooking the dramatic Hawaiian cliffs and the endless ocean. It was like something straight out of a romantic movie.
What made it even more touching? The proposal happened in the exact same spot where they had once shared a quiet picnic a year ago. That place had become special to them, and Crystal now calls it “ours.” She admitted she had no clue that James was planning something so meaningful — something that would turn their love into a lasting, symbolic commitment.
She recalled that when they first set out that day, she thought they were just going for a simple walk. But as they reached the spot, she began noticing things — fresh flowers, heartfelt handwritten notes, and the breathtaking view of the ocean. That’s when it hit her: this wasn’t an ordinary walk. Something magical was happening.
In a separate interview with PEOPLE magazine, James opened up about how hard it was to keep the whole thing under wraps. He explained that keeping secrets just isn’t their style because of how close and open they are with each other. “It felt unnatural hiding anything from her,” he said.
James also joked that Crystal is incredibly sharp and observant — “She doesn’t miss a thing,” he said — so he had to be extra careful not to accidentally spill the beans before the big moment.
For anyone who didn’t know, Crystal and James started dating in April 2024 after being introduced through mutual friends — and clearly, things blossomed quickly and beautifully from there.