Hugh Hefner Son Cooper: Playboy CCO Releases Statement About Death [VIDEO]

Hugh Hefner passed away at 91 earlier this week and a short time later, his son, Cooper Hefner, released a statement.

Just after learning his father had passed, Cooper, who was named as the CCO of Playboy last year, shared his thoughts with press.

"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," Cooper said in his statement, via an E! News report on September 28. "He defined a lifestyle and ethos that lie at the heart of the Playboy brand, one of the most recognizable 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," he added.

Hefner was married to third wife Crystal Harris at the time of his passing. As fans may recall, Harris, who began dating Hefner in 2009, appeared alongside The Shannon Twins, Karissa and Kristina Shannon, on E!'s Girls Next Door after Hefner's relationships with the original cast, Holly Madison, Kendra Wilkinson and Bridget Marquardt, came to an end in 2008.

In addition to Cooper's statement about his father, several celebrities, including Kendra Wilkinson have spoken out about the Playboy magazine founder.

"Hef changed my life," she told E! News. "He made me the person I am today. I couldn't be more thankful for our friendship and our time together. I will miss him so much but he will be in my heart forever."

To her more from Cooper Hefner, including insider details about his time growing up at the infamous Playboy mansion, check out his Business Insider interview below.