Hugh Hefner, iconic founder of Playboy, has died at age 91

Hugh Hefner, the iconic founder of Playboy magazine, died at his home, the Playboy Mansion, of natural causes at age 91, Playboy Enterprisessaid in a statement on Wednesday.

Playboy magazine was founded more than 60 years ago to create a niche upscale men's magazine, combining images of nude women with in-depth articles, interviews and fiction by a variety of well-known writers.

Hefner reportedly founded the magazine with $600 and another $1,000 borrowed from his mother. The first centerfold, an iconic feature of the monthly magazine, was of Marilyn Monroe.

"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 Hefner, Playboy Enterprises' chief creative officer and Hugh's son, said in the statement.

Ola Jordan to strip off for Playboy after quitting Strictly Come Dancing

Pin-up: Ola models a lingerie range

Ola Jordan will set pulses racing after Strictly Come Dancing by ­stripping off for glossy magazine Playboy, writes Simon Boyle in the Sunday People.

The sexy 33-year-old dancer was planning to waltz away from Strictly after nine years and bust-ups with show bosses.

Now Playboy, owned by ageing tycoon Hugh Hefner, will ­welcome the Polish-born blonde with open arms.

A source said the magazine that has featured the likes of Kate Moss, Marilyn Monroe and Kelly Brook is keen to shoot Ola as soon as possible.

He said: “Ola is absolutely stunning, and has a ­massive following in the UK so it’s no surprise Playboy is be keen to get her.

“She looks ­fantastic on ­camera – and has a great personality and the sort of confidence it takes to ­really shine on a shoot – they know it’s about much more than being beautiful but Ola has got what it takes.”

Playboy Magazine

Cover girl: Kate Moss as Playboy bunny

Featuring in the magazine, which last month said it was ­dropping pictures of fully naked women, will be a first step in life away from Strictly for Ola.

After modelling in Playboy, which sells 800,000 a month, she has her sights set on appearing in I’m A Celebrity and Celebrity Big Brother.

(Photos) Playboy To Pay Tribute To Marilyn Monroe

The 50th anniversary of Marilyn Monroe’s death was back in August, but Playboy will be paying tribute to the iconic star during their December issue. Not only is Marilyn a legend, but she was also Playboy’s first cover back in 1953. The magazine will be re-releasing some nudes of the late beauty  ranging from her pin-up days to pictures of her in her last days. The issue hits shelves on November 20. Check out a preview of the pics in the gallery.