Aubrey Plaza recently made her first public appearance since the death of her husband, filmmaker Jeff Baena, who passed away on January 3 at the age of 47. Plaza appeared at the SNL 50 anniversary special, where she introduced musical guests Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard as they performed a rendition of "Nothing Compares 2 U". This performance was a notable moment in the special, which celebrated the long-running show's 50th anniversary. Plaza's appearance was also significant, as it marked her first public outing since Baena's death, and she used the opportunity to pay a subtle tribute to her late husband.

Plaza wore a tie-dye shirt under a blazer during her introduction, which was a nod to Baena's interest in tie-dyeing. In a 2021 interview on The Drew Barrymore Show, Plaza had mentioned that Baena got into tie-dyeing during the quarantine, and that they had even worn tie-dye pajamas on their wedding day. This personal touch added a poignant moment to the SNL 50 special, and fans were quick to notice the significance of Plaza's outfit. The tie-dye shirt was a small but meaningful way for Plaza to honor her husband's memory, and it highlighted the couple's playful and creative approach to their relationship.

The SNL 50 anniversary special featured a wide range of performances and appearances, including musical guests and former cast members. Plaza's introduction of Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard was a highlight of the show, and their performance of "Nothing Compares 2 U" was a powerful tribute to the late Sinéad O'Connor, who had originally recorded the song. The performance was also notable for its use of music as a way to bring people together and celebrate the show's legacy. Plaza's appearance at the special was a testament to her own strength and resilience, and it marked an important moment in her return to public life after a difficult period.

Plaza and Baena had been married since 2021, and they had collaborated on several projects over the years, including the films "Life After Beth" and "The Little Hours". Baena was a talented filmmaker and writer, and his death was met with an outpouring of tributes and condolences from the film and television community. Plaza's statement following his death described his passing as "an unimaginable tragedy", and she expressed her gratitude for the support of their friends and family. The couple's relationship was built on a foundation of love and mutual respect, and their collaboration on creative projects was a key part of their bond.

In the aftermath of Baena's death, Plaza has been taking time to focus on her own well-being and to process her grief. Her appearance at the SNL 50 anniversary special was an important step in her return to public life, and it marked a significant moment in her journey towards healing and recovery. As she moves forward, Plaza will likely continue to find ways to honor her husband's memory and to celebrate their relationship, both through her work and in her personal life. The outpouring of support from fans and colleagues has been a source of comfort for Plaza, and it has highlighted the impact that she and Baena had on the film and television community.