Celebrities, former Playboy Playmates react to Hugh Hefner's death

— -- After the death Wednesday of Playboy founder Hugh Hefner at the age of 91, social media lit up with tributes from public figures, including former Playboy Playmates.

Kendra Wilkinson and Bridget Marquardt, two of the three stars of "Girls Next Door," the E! reality show that focused on Hefner's girlfriends from 2005 until 2010, expressed their sentiments in an Instagram post.

"So sad but forever grateful for all the wonderful memories and amazing experiences," Marquardt wrote.

Added Wilkinson: "Can't really put in to words how I really feel. It's easy to say he will be missed and how much I loved him. There's a lot more than that."

Pamela Anderson, who appeared on the cover of Playboy 14 times, shared a video on Instagram that featured her crying as she said a final goodbye to the magazine publisher.

"I am me because of you. You taught me everything important about freedom and respect. Outside of my family, you were the most important person in my life. You gave me my life," she wrote in a lengthy caption. "I'm in such deep shock. But you were old, your back hurt you so much. Last time I saw you, you were using a walker. You didn't want me to see. You couldn't hear. You had a piece of paper in your pocket you showed me - with my name Pamela with a heart around it.

"Thank you for making the world a better place. A freeer and sexier place," she continued. "You were a gentleman: charming, elegant, chivalrous and so much fun."

Other celebrities who spoke out about Hefner included:

Actress and former Playmate Jenny McCarthy

Actress and former Playmate Donna D'Errico

Hall of Fame sports announcer Michael Buffer

Reality TV star Kim Kardashian West

Comedian Richard Lewis

Hugh Hefner through the years

1 of 24

American publisher Hugh Hefner is seen in this 1955 portrait sitting in front of a wall collage of female centerfolds from his men's magazine 'Playboy' which he launched in 1953.

Getty Images

Musician Gene Simmons

Model and reality TV star Adrianne Curry

Reality TV star Heidi Montag

Singer Aubrey O'Day

Actor Rob Lowe

Civil rights activist the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.

Singer and actress Nancy Sinatra

Actor Mark Hamill

"Live! With Kelly" co-host Ryan Seacrest

Reality TV star Paris Hilton