Aubrey Plaza honours late husband with hidden tribute in first public appearance since his death

Following the tragic passing of her husband Jeff Baena last month, Aubrey Plaza made her first public appearance at the SNL50: The Anniversary Special on Sunday.

Just three days into 2025, news broke that American screenwriter and film director Jeff Baena had died from suicide at the age of 47.

“This is an unimaginable tragedy,” the family said in a public statement. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support. Please respect our privacy during this time.”

Aubrey deleted her social media soon after and besides a few paparazzi pictures, we haven’t heard from her since.

Aubrey Plaza paid tribute to her husband a the SNL anniversary

Aubrey Plaza at #SNL50 is quite a pleasant surprise! That tie-dye shirt is definitely a tribute to Jeff Baena. pic.twitter.com/XQ6OwYUyCn

— SCOTT (@SBRadachi) February 17, 2025

Saturday Night Live is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary with some of the biggest names and celebrity cameos returning for more fun. During NBC and Peacock’s three-hour special, Aubrey appeared for a brief moment to introduce musical guests Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard to the stage after skipping the cameras on the red carpet.

Appearing on screen, Aubrey dressed in a black blazer and matching trousers but eagle-eyed Twitter people spotted how she dressed the outfit down with a tie-dye t-shirt. Though the fashion choice might seem a little casual for the celebrity affair, it bore a significant meaning to Aubrey and Jeff.

Jeff reportedly had a love of tie-dying clothes, so much so that he and Aubrey sported tie-dye pyjamas for their nuptials.

Talking about the touching moment on The Drew Barrymore Show in 2021, Aubrey explained: “We got married on a whim. Literally decided at around 5 pm and got married at 8:30.

aubrey wore that tie dye shirt because it brings her comfort and assurance, just like how jeff brings peace to her.

FUCK ME IM GONNA THROW UP😭😭 pic.twitter.com/amhtLqasT0

— riah (@rplazahahn) February 17, 2025

Most Read

Revealed: The apparent texts Grace was sending around before Love Island All Stars

Right, what did Grace *actually* say in those Love Island screenshots and are they real?

Tasha finally breaks her silence on Andrew split and hints this is the really sad reason

“Jeff got really into tie-dyeing during the quarantine. So, I decided that Jeff and I were going to wear tie-dye pyjamas 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.”

People picked up on the tribute right away, with one person writing on Twitter: “Aubrey Plaza surprise guest on SNL + wearing Jeff’s shirt…made me cry.”

“Aubrey wearing a tie-dyed shirt… if I wasn’t crying already,” another said, while a third added, “Aubrey you angel. Seeing you brought tears to all our eyes. You are so incredibly strong, staying true to yourself. And yes we all noticed the tie-dye shirt he was with you.”

For more like this plus all the latest news, drops, quizzes and memes, like The Tab on Facebook. 

Featured image credit: NBC/Aubrey Plaza