Aubrey Plaza's appearance on the 'SNL50' special was marked by a subtle yet poignant tribute to her late husband, Jeff Baena. Plaza wore a tie-dye shirt under her blazer, a nod to Baena's interest in tie-dying, which became a shared hobby during the pandemic. This choice of attire was significant, as it harked back to their wedding attire, where they wore matching tie-dye pajamas Baena had crafted. "Jeff got really into tie-dyeing during the quarantine, so I decided that Jeff and I were going to wear tie-dye pajamas that he had made for us," Plaza shared in a 2021 interview on 'The Drew Barrymore Show'[1][2].

Aubrey Plaza and Jeff Baena shared more than just a personal life; they were also professional collaborators. Over the years, the couple worked together on several films, including 'Life After Beth,' 'The Little Hours,' and 'Spin Me Round.' Baena, an accomplished filmmaker, co-wrote the 2004 film 'I Heart Huckabees' and directed Plaza in multiple projects. Their creative partnership was a testament to their strong bond, which spanned over a decade before they married in 2020. Baena's unexpected death in January 2023 was a significant loss for both Plaza and the film industry[3][4].

Jeff Baena's death on January 3, 2023, was a devastating blow to his family, friends, and the entertainment community. The Los Angeles County Coroner's Office reported his death as a suicide, and the family released a statement expressing their gratitude for the support received during this difficult time. "This is an unimaginable tragedy. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support," read the statement, urging for privacy as they grieve. Plaza, who was scheduled to present at the Golden Globes shortly after Baena's passing, chose to step back from public engagements until her recent appearance on 'SNL50'[5][6].