Aubrey Plaza appeared at SNL’s 50th anniversary special and paid a touching tribute to her late husband, Jeff Baena. The White Lotus star, known for her sharp wit and magnetic screen presence, chose this milestone television event to honor Baena’s memory, just weeks after his passing on January 3, 2025.

Aubrey Plaza makes first appearance after Jeff Baena’s death

Award-winning actress Aubrey Plaza surprised fans by appearing on SNL50: The Anniversary Special event on Sunday in New York City. The White Lotus star introduced two musical guests of the night: Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard.

Fans were quick to notice Plaza’s tie-dye shirt underneath her blazer, which is a tribute to her late husband, Jeff Baena. Plaza had earlier shared Baena’s love for tie-dying during the quarantine.

Baena’s passion for tie-dying also played a crucial role in his impromptu wedding with Plaza that took place during the lockdown. Plaza once shared on The Drew Barrymore Show, “We got married on a whim. Literally decided at around 5 p.m. and got married at 8:30. Jeff got really into tie-dyeing during the quarantine.”

She continued, “So, I decided that Jeff and I were going to wear tie-dye pajamas that he had made for us. I made a love altar in the backyard of all of our love objects. It was very witchcore, but it happened.”

Plaza’s special way of remembering the late director touched fans’ hearts on social media. A fan posted on X (formerly Twitter): “Her way of carrying love and memory is so powerful.” Another shared, “I understand it’s a TV appearance, but I also imagine this was very hard to do while grieving. For that, I applaud her and send her even more love.”

Plaza and her late husband Baena’s love story began a decade back. The duo started dating in 2011. While they kept the details of their relationship private, workwise, they collaborated on multiple projects.

Plaza appeared in several of Baena’s films, including Life After Beth and Joshy in 2016 and Spin Me Round in 2022.