A New Chapter for Aubrey Plaza: Navigating Love, Loss, and Motherhood

In a stunning turn of events, Parks and Recreation star Aubrey Plaza has embarked on a new journey - motherhood. Her representative confirmed to People that Plaza is expecting her first child with partner Chris Abbott, marking a significant milestone in their budding relationship. The announcement comes as a ray of hope following a challenging year for the actress. Plaza found herself grieving the loss of her former husband, Jeff Baena, who tragically took his own life at age 47 in January 2025. The couple had been separated since September 2024, according to reports. Plaza has been largely private about her personal life during this period, only opening up slightly during an appearance on Amy Poehler's "Good Hang" podcast in August 2025, where she shared her ongoing struggle with grief. However, the actress made a subtle yet significant appearance during Paris Fashion Week in March 2026, carefully hiding her baby bump beneath oversized shirts and leather jackets. The couple's romance blossomed after working together in the 2020 thriller Black Bear. They later starred in the Off-Broadway revival of Danny and the Deep Blue Sea. Rumors of their relationship began to swirl when an Instagram gossip account, DeuxMoi, reported they were spotted cozying up at The Chatham Berry Farm just outside New York City. Photographs and videos emerged on social media showing Plaza and Abbott at a New York Knicks game, followed by appearances together during Paris Fashion Week, including the Khaite fashion show. The news of their impending parenthood was confirmed by People in April 2026, with reports suggesting they welcomed their baby in July. Photos obtained by TMZ showed Plaza leaving Abbott's final performance of Death of a Salesman with what appeared to be their newborn. Throughout this transformative period, Aubrey Plaza and Chris Abbott's love story continues to unfold, offering a glimpse into the actress's journey from heartbreak to new beginnings.