Playboy founder Hugh Hefner is laid to rest in his famous PJs and smoking jacket
THE American icon's service, at Los Angeles' Westwood Village Memorial Park, was attended by his four children, his wife Crystal Harris and some of his closest staff
HUGH Hefner was laid to rest yesterday wearing his famous pyjamas, smoking jacket and cravat.
An intimate ceremony for the playboy founder took place at the famous Westwood Village Memorial Park where Hefner will be buried in a plot beside Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe.
A source told that Hefner wanted to be buried in his familiar clothing as he wanted to be comfortable in the afterlife.
His famous captain's cap and smoking pipe were also placed inside his coffin "in case he needed them in the afterlife."
The source said: “Hef didn’t necessarily believe in God or heaven, but he thought he may as well hedge his bets and have his most treasured possessions in his coffin on the off-chance he would need them in an afterlife.”
Hef's four children, his wife Crystal Harris and some of his closest staff were there to pay tribute to the late media personality, reports.
Hugh purchased his plot beside Marilyn for £52,000 in 1992.
He also has several friends buried there, including jazz musician Buddy Rich and Canadian Playboy Playmate, Dorothy Stratten, who was murdered in 1989.
He said at the time: "Jay Leno suggested that if I was going to spend that kind of money, I should actually be on top of her. But to me there's something rather poetic in the fact that we'll be buried in the same place. And that cemetery also has other meanings and connections for me. Friends like Buddy Rich and Mel Torme are buried there. So is Dorothy Stratten."
Hugh's son Cooper Hefner, who is the chief creative officer of Playboy Enterprises, praised his father for living an "exceptional and impactful life".
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He said in a statement: "My father lived an exceptional and impactful life as a media and cultural pioneer and a leading voice behind some of the most significant social and cultural movements of our time in advocating free speech, civil rights and sexual freedom.
"He defined a lifestyle and ethos that lie at the heart of the Playboy brand, one of the most recognisable and enduring in history. He will be greatly missed by many, including his wife Crystal, my sister Christie and my brothers David and Marston, and all of us at Playboy Enterprises."
While a representative for Hugh added: "Hugh M. Hefner, the American icon who in 1953 introduced the world to Playboy magazine and built the company into one of the most recognisable American global brands in history, peacefully passed away today from natural causes at his home, The Playboy Mansion, surrounded by loved ones."
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