[A Citizen Reporter]

Yes, the day she died.

"5:20pm] TMZ received a statement from Playboy founder Hugh Hefner:

"I am very saddened to learn about Anna Nicole's passing. She was a dear friend who meant a great deal to the Playboy family and to me personally. My thoughts and prayers are with her friends and loved ones during this difficult time."

Hefner famously purchased the Westwood crypt where Marilyn Monroe is entombed. Monroe was the first Playboy Playmate. Anna was Playmate of the Year in 1993.

[sarasota]

Thanks. You folks are the best in keeping the rest of us informed!

[TexKat]

AP - Mon Feb 26, 10:35 AM ET Roberta G. Mandel, attorney for Virgie Arthur, mother of Anna Nicole Smith, holds copies of the appeal as she speaks to reporters at the 4th District Court of Appeal in West Palm Beach, Fla., Monday, Feb. 26, 2007. Arthur asked the court to overturn a judge's decision over who controls where the starlet should be buried. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)

Roberta G. Mandel, second from right, attorney for Virgie Arthur, mother of Anna Nicole Smith, hands out copies of the appeal to reporters in front of the 4th District Court of Appeal in West Palm Beach, Fla., Monday, Feb. 26, 2007. Arthur asked the court to overturn a judge's decision over who controls where the starlet should be buried. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)

John Negri of Altoona, Pennsylvania, photographs his wife and daughters at the gravesite location believed to be of Anna Nicole Smith's son Daniel, at Lakeview Memorial Gardens in Nassau, Bahamas February 25, 2007. The Negris were visiting the island for the day off a cruise ship and took a cab to visit the cemetary and ocean-front home of the late entertainment celebrity claiming the spots were the 'talk of the ship'. REUTERS/Hans Deryk (UNITED STATES)

Tourists look for the location of the gravesite of Anna Nicole Smith's son, Daniel, at Lakeview Memorial Gardens in Nassau, Bahamas February 25, 2007. REUTERS/Hans Deryk (UNITED STATES)