Warning: This article contains discussions about suicide that may be upsetting to some readers.
Aubrey Plaza moved Saturday Night Live audiences when she honored her late husband, Jeff Baena.
Baena, an American screenwriter and director, was discovered deceased in his Los Angeles residence on January 3.
Authorities later confirmed that the 47-year-old’s cause of death was suicide.
Baena was married to actress Aubrey Plaza, known for her role in The White Lotus. The couple married in 2021 after a long relationship that began in 2011.
Following his untimely death, Plaza released a statement calling Baena’s passing “an unimaginable tragedy.”
This weekend, Plaza made her first public appearance since his death during SNL’s 50th anniversary show.
During the special, Plaza introduced musical performances by Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard.
The Parks and Recreation star wore a black ensemble, consisting of pants and a blazer, complemented by a tie-dye t-shirt.
The shirt choice was later revealed as a tribute to her late husband.
In 2021, Plaza appeared on The Drew Barrymore Show and talked about how she and Baena enjoyed tie-dyeing.
“Jeff got really into tie-dyeing during the quarantine,” she mentioned.
“So, I decided that Jeff and I were going to wear tie-dye pajamas that he had made for us,” she added.
Social media users have since responded to Plaza’s subtle but poignant tribute.
“Aubrey wearing a tie-dyed shirt… if I wasn’t crying already,” one Twitter user commented.
Another noted: “Tears. Just tears. No words needed.”
Many have praised Plaza for her courage to appear on the show shortly after her loss.
One viewer remarked: “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.”
“I give her a lot of props for making a public appearance this soon after,” another person expressed.
Baena’s passing has been a heavy blow to both his family and the film community.
In his obituary, released days after his passing, he was remembered as “a beloved son, husband, brother, uncle, and friend to many.”
“Jeff left us too soon but despite his woefully too-short life, he left us with treasured memories of a gifted filmmaker, as well as a very special person on so many different levels,” the obituary added.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, support is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. You can also contact the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.