Aubrey Plaza incorporated a touching tribute to her late husband in her first public appearance since his death.
Plaza’s longtime partner, writer and director Jeff Baena, died aged 47 on January 3.
More than a month since the shocking news, Plaza made a surprise TV appearance for the Saturday Night Live 50th anniversary event on Monday, February 17 (local time).
The White Lotus actress briefly appeared on screen during the televised SNL50: The Anniversary Special to introduce musical guests Miley Cyrus and and Brittany Howard.
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Plaza stood among the audience wearing a black blazer over a tie-dyed top while holding a microphone.
The camera then panned to the duo, who performed Nothing Compares 2 U.
The star’s shirt seemed to honour her late husband and their relationship, thanks to one meaningful detail.
Back in December 2021, during an appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show, Plaza opened up about the couple’s choice to wear tie-dyed clothes for their wedding.
“Jeff got really into tie-dyeing during the quarantine,” she said on the show.
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“So, I decided that Jeff and I were going to wear tie-dye pajamas that he had made for us,” she explained the unconventional choice.
Plaza, who is an actress and comedian known for starring in Parks and Recreation, Agatha All Along and The White Lotus, was one of the many stars in attendance on the night.
Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, Martin Short, Meryl Streep, Kim Kardashian, Jenna Ortega and more were all spotted at the event.
Plaza previously made her SNL hosting debut in January 2023.
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According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, Baena died at his Los Angeles home. His official cause of death was reportedly ruled as suicide.
Plaza and Baena had been together for more than a decade.
They reportedly began dating in 2011.
The couple had worked together on several projects including the 2021 comedy series Cinema Toast and the 2022 film Spin Me Around.
Plaza and Baena tied the knot in 2021.
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Following her husband’s death, Plaza released a joint statement with the Baena and Stern family.
“This is an unimaginable tragedy,” the statement began.
“We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support. Please respect our privacy during this time.”
Days after his death, Baena was paid tribute to at the 2025 Golden Globes on January 6 where Plaza was set to present an award during the night but ended up not attending.
The Brutalist filmmaker Brady Corbet shared a special message for Baena’s loved ones while accepting his award for Best Director.
“Finally, tonight my heart is with Aubrey Plaza and Jeff’s family,” he concluded his speech.
Plaza has spoken about her private relationship with Baena in the past.
In a 2022 interview with GQ, the actress opened up about her marriage while discussing her The White Lotus character Harper.
“I’ve been with my husband for 12 years. I relate to being in a relationship that has peaks and valleys, and going through a rough patch and comparing yourself to another couple that seems perfect,” she said.
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