Photo: Instagram
The reality star turned politician (sound familiar?) died Tuesday in one of his brothels.
By Kayla Kibbe — Written on Nov 07, 2018
How did Dennis Hof die? The infamous Nevada brothel owner, reality star, and pro-Trump winner of a Nevada State Assembly seat (posthumously) was found dead on the morning after his birthday at one of his brothels in Nevada.
Hof, who had recently turned 72, died in the hours following a birthday celebration at the Love Ranch Vegas in Crystal, Nevada. The death was discovered by famed adult film star Ron Jeremy, who had been a guest at the party.
“Ron Jeremy found him this morning when he went to wake him to go to a meeting in Pahrump,” confirmed Hof's manager, Chuck Muth, via Twitter, adding that "Dennis died quietly in his sleep."
Though no cause of death has been determined, officials do not suspect foul play. An autopsy will be performed on Wednesday.
“We had a wonderful event last night,” Muth told the Reno Gazette Journal. “He was having the time of his life.”
Friends of the larger-than-life media personality have posted tributes to the star, including Ron Jeremy, who grieved the loss of his friend on Twitter.
Hof first rose to prominence back in the 1990s as the owner of the infamous Moonlite Bunny Ranch near Carson City, Nevada. He went on to acquire several other legal brothels in the state, including the Love Ranch Vegas. Hof was also the owner of the ranch where Lamar Odom suffered a near-fatal drug overdose back in 2015.
“Lamar really opened up to Dennis at times and they were always very friendly to each other," a source close to the former NBA star told HollywoodLife. Lamar is sad that Dennis has passed away because Lamar saw him as more than just an owner of a brothel, he respected the man he was to him.”
The outspoken entrepreneur's media presence boomed in the new millennium with the 2002 premiere of HBO's Cathouse. The series, which ran until 2014, featured Hof and his employees as it documented their lives at the Moonlite Bunny Ranch.
Recently, the brothel owner and reality star launched an unexpected career in politics, winning a Republican primary race for the Nevada State Assembly in June. Following in the footsteps of his idol, Donald Trump, for whom he has been vocal in his support, the outspoken candidate ran on a platform of lower taxes and defense of Second Amendment rights. On November 6th, he won the seat even after his death.
“I’m fighting the establishment, and I know how Donald Trump feels,” said the self-proclaimed "Trump from Pahrump" in an interview during his campaign.
Following his death, Hof's name remained on the ballot in November, reports the Reno Gazette Journal. If he wins, county leaders from Nye, Lincoln, and Clark Counties will appoint a replacement. He won the election.
Kayla Kibbe is a writer wrapping up her final semester at Connecticut College where she is an English major with a concentration in creative writing. She covers trending celebrity and entertainment news, love and relationships, and astrology.