From the daughter of pub landlords in West Bromwich to the 'First Lady of the Playboy Mansion' - this is the story of Hugh Hefner's widow Crystal Harris.

Despite being born in Arizona, USA, Crystal Harris grew up living above Ye Olde Rose & Crown in West Bromwich which was run by her mum, Lee, and dad Ray Lovitt.

Crystal and Ms Lovitt still remember their time in Ye Olde Rose and Crown with fondness despite their current lives in the limelight.

“My dad used to perform for the drinkers and I’d sing along with him,” said Crystal.

Today the former Ye Olde Rose & Crown is no longer a pub.

Ms Lovitt added: “I loved my time at the pub. It was a friendly pub for locals. We enjoyed the summer months with the beer garden.

“Crystal’s dad used to sing in the pub and I used to bar-tend and cook.”

After selling the pub, Crystal - then aged five - and her family moved back to the States. They settled in San Diego, California where Crystal would go on to study, graduating in psychology at San Diego State University.

Dave Jones and his wife Maureen, raise a glass to their new venture took over the Ye Olde Rose & Crown after Crystal's parents pictured 13th October 1992).

It was during her studies when she met Hef. Tragedy struck only a year after the family moved back to the States, when her dad died from cancer. Crystal began taking on modelling work for extra cash.

French maid

She soon found herself at one of Hef's notorious annual mansion Halloween party, where she caught his eye dressed as a French maid.

The pair were reported to have begun dating in January 2009. Crystal was 22, and Hugh was 82. Crystal was named 'Playmate of the Month' in December 2009.

Two years later Hefner announced he would tie the knot with his Black Country fiancée. But Crystal reportedly called the wedding off after getting 'cold feet'.

Speaking exclusively to the Birmingham Mail from ‘Hef’s’ world-renowned mansion after their engagement was first announced, former Crystal's mum gave the California Casanova her blessing.

The family, including dad, Ray, lived in West Bromwich until 1991, where they had run Cape Street pub Ye Olde Rose and Crown for three years. “I visit Crystal often at the mansion and Hef is a gracious host. He calls me Goldie as he thinks I look like Goldie Hawn,” said Ms Lovitt.

Mum Lee Lovitt and daughter Crystal Harris.

“I really like Hef and enjoy my time staying at the mansion.

“I will be happy to see Crystal and Hef marry – as long as my daughter is happy then I am happy.”

The couple would later marry in 2013. Soon after Crystal began to suffer health problems over what some have dubbed "breast implant illness."

On her official Facebook page last year she recalled the period to her six million followers.

"Once I became allergic to most every food, had intolerable pain, developed stomach issues and night sweats, I began to research. I found a holistic doctor (Dr. Farshid Rahbar) and was tested for everything.

"After I was diagnosed with Lyme disease and toxic mold, I posted about it on social media. I began to receive comments saying that my symptoms resembled 'Breast Implant Illness'.

"I found a Breast Implant Illness website and Facebook group with almost 3,000 members. My symptoms matched theirs."

Hugh Hefner died on September 27 this year. He was 91. Initial reports suggested Crystal would be left with nothing.

It is now understood the 31-year-old has been left $5million and a luxury Hollywood Hills home - complete with four bedrooms, five baths and an infinity pool.

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Hef’s $43 million fortune will be divided among his four children, the University of Southern California, as well as a list of charities the star supports.

It was reported by US Weekly in 2013 that Hef’s $43 million fortune will be divided among his four children, the University of Southern California, as well as a list of charities the star supports.

Crystal paid tribute to her husband shortly after her husband's funeral on October 30: "He was an American hero. A pioneer. A kind and humble soul who opened up his life and home to the world," she told people.com .

She added she was still in disbelief at his death.

"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.

"He changed my life, he saved my life. He made me feel loved every single day. He was a beacon to the world, a force unlike anything else. There never has and never will be another Hugh M. Hefner."