Aubrey Plaza paid a heartfelt tribute to her late husband, director Jeff Baena, during her appearance on Sunday’s Saturday Night Live 50: The Anniversary Special. 

The special episode, which celebrated 50 years of the iconic sketch comedy show, saw the White Lotus star present musical guests Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard. 

But it was her choice of attire that truly caught the attention of viewers and held a deeper, sentimental meaning.

A Symbol of Love: The Tie-Dye Tribute

Plaza made sure to keep Baena’s memory alive by wearing a black pantsuit with a tie-dye shirt underneath. 

This was not just a fashion statement— it was a tribute to the meaningful connection she shared with her late husband. 

The tie-dye design was a nod to the couple’s unique wedding, which took place in 2021.

In a touching reflection on their nuptials, Plaza explained during an appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show in December 2021 that she and Baena had gotten married while wearing tie-dye pajamas, which Baena had personally crafted. She recounted that Baena had become “really into tie-dyeing” during the COVID-19 quarantine, and together, they chose to wear pajamas that he had made for them to mark their special day.

“I decided that Jeff and I were going to wear tie-dye pajamas that he had made for us,” Plaza said on the show, recalling the spontaneous and intimate nature of their wedding.

A Lasting Love and a Lasting Memory

Baena’s untimely death on January 3 at the age of 47 was a devastating blow to Plaza and those close to him. The director, known for his work on films like Spin Me Around, The Little Hours, and Life After Beth, tragically died by suicide. He was found unresponsive at their Los Angeles-area home by an assistant.

Plaza’s public statement following his death was poignant and expressed the deep loss she felt. The Parks and Recreation alum has understandably kept a low profile since his passing, and her appearance on SNL marked her first public outing since that tragic day.

Remembering Their Bond Through Creative Collaborations

In addition to their personal bond, Plaza and Baena shared a creative partnership, having worked together on several projects. Plaza reflected on this in her 2021 interview with Drew Barrymore, where she fondly spoke of Baena’s influence on her career and their collaborations on films such as Spin Me Around, The Little Hours, and Life After Beth. For Plaza, these projects were not just work but an extension of their shared love for storytelling.

The Impact of Tie-Dye in Their Relationship

For Plaza, tie-dye symbolized more than just a style— it was a part of their journey as a couple. In her Drew Barrymore Show appearance, Plaza said that the tie-dye experience was something that had bonded them, from the playful act of creating their pajamas during the quarantine to the personal meaning it held on their wedding day.

With Baena’s passing, this piece of clothing took on a deeper significance. The tie-dye shirt Plaza wore during her SNL appearance not only symbolized her love for Baena but also celebrated the shared memories that will forever be a part of her life.

A Tribute to the Late Director

While Plaza’s appearance on SNL was undoubtedly a lighthearted moment on a celebratory special, it was clear that she was also using this platform to honor the memory of a man she deeply loved. Fans and viewers noticed the tribute, with many sharing their condolences and reflecting on how Plaza kept Baena’s memory alive in such a subtle yet meaningful way.

As Plaza continues to navigate the challenging journey of grief, this heartfelt tribute to Baena on national television stands as a testament to their enduring bond. Whether through her emotional connection to tie-dye or the memories they built together both personally and professionally, Plaza is ensuring that her late husband’s legacy continues to shine.

For now, the tie-dye shirt serves as a loving reminder of a beautiful relationship, and it will undoubtedly be a piece of clothing that holds even more significance for Plaza in the years to come.

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