Hugh Hefner's widow Crystal finds love in engineer boyfriend Nathan Levi 3 years after Playboy founder's death
It seems Hugh Hefner's widow Crystal has fallen in love again. The 34-year-old model was spotted earlier this week vacationing with boyfriend Nathan Levi, a 32-year-old spaceship engineer, at the Casa de Mita resort in Mexico. The couple was photographed strolling along the beach, kissing and cuddling as they walked hand in hand.
“Hef would approve of her romance,” a source close to Crystal told Page Six. “Since his death, she has been mourning and soul searching and traveling the world. It’s been hard for her to find someone who measures up to the legend of Hugh Hefner, and this guy seems to be it." The insider said that Crystal's friends have already approved of Nathan, adding, “He’s an amazing guy and all her friends adore him."
Meanwhile, another source told The Sun that Nathan won Crystal over by taking her flying. “He’s smart, caring, and makes her feel secure. He’s very kind and gentle with her. There are so many things to like about him," they said. “She is the happiest she’s been in years.”
Nathan, who aspires to be an astronaut someday, reportedly led a team of specialists in launching the SpaceX Dragon on March 7, 2020. According to the insider, the Mexico getaway is the couple's first overseas vacation together. “Nathan has been traveling with Crystal, as he’s wanting to have more of a balance between work and being with her, since he feels like he’s found someone really special," the source continued. “The fact that she’s taken him to a place where she goes to get away from it all and recharge is very indicative that she’s serious about him. Casa de Mita is her happy place.”
It's worth noting that this is Crystal's first public romance since the Playboy founder died in September 2017 at age 91. She married him in 2012 and was his third wife. “I am heartbroken. I am still in disbelief,” the model said in a statement after his passing. “He was an American hero. A pioneer. A kind and humble soul who opened up his life and home to the world."
She added, “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...There never has and never will be another Hugh M. Hefner.”
Crystal was 24 when she debuted in Playboy as the magazine's December 2009 Playmate. Hugh announced their engagement on Twitter a year later. “After the movie tonight, Crystal & I exchanged gifts. I gave Crystal a ring. A truly memorable Christmas Eve,” he wrote at the time. “When I gave Crystal the ring, she burst into tears. This is the happiest Christmas weekend in memory.”
“Yes, the ring I gave Crystal is an engagement ring," he later clarified. "I didn’t mean to make a mystery out of it. A very merry Christmas to all.”
“Despite the age disparity, the truth of the matter is we have a great deal in common,” the magazine tycoon told People at the time. “We really complement one another, we have a wonderful time together, and I love her.”