Aubrey Plaza Breaks Silence on Husband Jeff Baena’s Death

Aubrey Plaza is grieving after her husband Jeff Baena‘s death.

The Parks and Recreation alum spoke out for the first time since Baena, her frequent collaborator and husband of five years, passed away at the age of 47. She issued a joint statement with his family, which includes mom Barbara Stern, stepfather Roger Stern, father Scott Baena and stepmother Michele Baena.

“This is an unimaginable tragedy,” read a statement from Plaza and the Baena/Stern family obtained by E! News Jan. 6. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support. Please respect our privacy during this time.”

According to Los Angeles medical examiner records viewed by E! News, the screenwriter died by suicide on Jan. 3.

Plaza was set to present at the 2025 Golden Globes on Jan. 5; however, she did not make an appearance in the wake of the tragedy. Her peers paid tribute during the show, with 2025 Golden Globe winner for Best Director Brady Corbet ending his speech by saying, “Tonight my heart is with Aubrey Plaza and Jeff’s family.”

In addition to Corbet, many of the director’s colleagues have shared moving tributes to him, including Adam Pally.