Washington DC, April 8 -- Over a year after the death of her husband Jeff Baena, actor Aubrey Plaza is set to welcome a new chapter in her life.

The actor is expecting her first child with partner Chris Abbott, with the baby due later this fall, PEOPLE has confirmed.

According to a source, the news has come as a "beautiful surprise" for the couple after an emotional year. The source also mentioned that the couple feel "very blessed" as they prepare for parenthood.

A representative for Plaza also confirmed the pregnancy to PEOPLE.

Plaza, 41, and Abbott, 40, have worked together earlier in projects like the 2020 film 'Black Bear' and the Off-Broadway revival of 'Danny' and the 'Deep Blue Sea'. While they had not publicly confirmed their...