WATCH: Hugh Hefner Visibly Frail In Footage Ahead Of Death

Hugh Hefner, Crystal Hefner — Hugh Hefner and Crystal Hefner, pictured October 25, 2014 at the Playboy Mansion's Annual Halloween Bash in Los Angeles. Hefner suffered from severe back issues ahead of his death. Getty Images

Footage emerged Friday of a visibly frail Hugh Hefner months ahead of his death. The video shows Hefner using a walker to maneuver around The Playboy Mansion. An unidentified woman can also be seen following closely behind the Playboy founder to assist him as he walked. The video was taken in January, according to reports.

Hefner first suffered from severe back issues two years ago. He reportedly dealt with back complications in his late 80s, but it grew more problematic after he acquired an infection, TMZ reported Friday. His last public appearance at The Playboy Mansion was to announce Eugena Washington as Playmate of the Year in May 2016.

Pamela Anderson, a former Playboy Playmate, left a teary-eyed goodbye for Hefner on Instagram Thursday. Anderson, 50, detailed the businessman's declining health as he aged within her post.

"I'm in such deep shock. But you were old, your back hurt you so much," Anderson wrote on Instagram Thursday. "Last time I saw you You were using a walker. You didn't want me to see. You couldn't hear...Now, I'm falling apart. This feeling is so crazy."

Goodbye #Hef Mr Hefner I have so many thoughts, I have no brain n right now to edit 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... People tell me all the time That I was your favorite... 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. Now, I'm falling apart. This feeling is so crazy. It's raining in Paris now. I'm by the window. Everything anyone loves about me is because you understood me. Accepted me and encouraged me to be myself. Love like no one else. Live recklessly With unfiltered abandon. You said the magazine was about a girl like me. That I embody the spirit you fantasized about. I was the one. You said. I can hear you say - Be brave. There are no rules. Live your life I'm proud of you. There are no mistakes. And with men - Enjoy ... (Your wonderful laugh) You have the world by the tail You are a good girl And you are so loved - You are not crazy. You are wild and free Stay strong, Stay vulnerable. ... "It's movie time" You loved my boys ... You were always, always there for us. With your love Your crazy wisdom. I will miss your everything. Thank you for making the world a better place. A freeer and sexier place. You were a gentleman charming, elegant, chivalrous And so much fun. Goodbye Hef ... Your Pamela _
A post shared by The Pamela Anderson Foundation (@pamelaanderson) on Sep 27, 2017 at 11:35pm PDT

Hefner knew his final days were nearing. Ariana Gradow, the daughter of the publishing mogul's former partner Barbi Benton, revealed Thursday that Hefner didn't want others to see his declined health.

"My mom is pretty sad right now," Gradow told Radar. "We just visited him six months ago, he's a very loyal guy and my mom and our entire family have kept in touch with him since. He still loved her, they still loved each other. When I saw him, he looked very sick. He was on his last limbs, his last breath."

Gradow added, "He had a walker, he just walked in and said hi to us but then went back into his room. I think he knew he was going to die. He didn’t really want anyone to see him in this state, so he didn’t come out very much."

Hefner died in the comfort of his home, The Playboy Mansion, Thursday at 91 years old. He was reportedly surrounded by his family at the time of his death.

A representative for Hugh Hefner did not immediately return International Business Times' request for comment.

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