Kendra Wilkinson, Pamela Anderson and more mourn Hugh Hefner

Sept. 28 (UPI) -- A number of former Playboy models including Kendra Wilkinson, Pamela Anderson, Kim Kardashian and more have paid their respects to Hugh Hefner on social media and abroad following the magazine mogul's death.

"Hef changed my life," Wilkinson said of the Playboy founder while speaking with 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," she continued. Wilkinson dated Hefner and starred on the E! reality series The Girls Next Door alongside Hefner's other girlfriends at the time, Holly Madison and Bridget Marquardt.

"So sad but forever grateful for all the wonderful memories and amazing experiences #RIPHef #Playboy," Marquardt wrote on Instagram alongside a photo of herself with Hefner.

Anderson, who appeared on the cover of Playboy 14 times, penned a lengthy tribute to Hefner on Instagram whom she credited with encouraging her to be herself.

"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 life," Anderson wrote alongside a video of herself crying on her bed. "Thank you for making the world a better place. A freer and sexier place," she continued.

Kardashian, meanwhile, shared her thoughts regarding Hefner on Twitter writing, "RIP to the legendary Hugh Hefner! I'm so honored to have been a part of the Playboy team! You will be greatly missed! Love you Hef! Xoxo."

Other Playboy models who mourned Hefner on social media include Jenny McCarthy, Carmen Electra, Paris Hilton and Azealia Banks.

"RIP #Hef Thank you for being a revolutionary and changing so many people's lives, especially mine. Thank you for choosing me to be one of your bunnies. I hope I made you proud. I will forever be grateful," McCarthy wrote on Instagram alongside a photo of a Playboy magazine she appeared on.

"I am so grateful I had the opportunity to shoot many Playboy celebrity pictorials with u Hef," Electra captioned a photo of herself and Hefner on Instagram. "Thank u for picking me and Bringing me into the magical world of Playboy ! I just can't stop crying and I can't imagine how many bunnies are crying for u too. U are a class act and I will always have gratitude for your kindness."

"He was a #Legend, innovator, genius, one of a kind with a heart of gold. We had so many fun & incredible memories together. I will miss him dearly. Rest In Peace my friend," added Hilton who shared a photo of herself next to Hefner while wearing the magazine's iconic Playboy bunny outfit.

"It was an absolute honor to be chosen as the first female rapper to make the cover of playboy magazine. May your legacy live on. Rest In Peace #hughhefner," Banks said alongside a photo of the Playboy magazine she appeared on.

Hefner died Wednesday of natural causes at the age of 91.