Jimmy Kimmel Pays Tribute to Longtime Bandleader Cleto Escobedo III

Late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel delivered a tearful tribute to his childhood friend and bandleader, Cleto Escobedo III, during Tuesday night’s taping of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, announcing Escobedo’s passing.

Kimmel, 57, shared with the audience that he and Escobedo had worked together on the show for nearly 23 years, describing his friend as someone who was “proud of me… loved me… and loved seeing all of this happen.” He stated, “I’ve had to do some hard monologues along the way, but this one’s the hardest.” The comedian announced the show would be taking the next few nights off, with a return date currently unclear.

Escobedo, 59, fronted Cleto and the Cletones since the show’s premiere in 2003 and had a long career in music prior to that, touring with artists like Paula Abdul, Marc Anthony, and Earth, Wind and Fire. Kimmel shared on Instagram earlier yesterday, “To say that we are heartbroken is an understatement. Cleto and I have been inseparable since I was nine years old.” The show was canceled last Thursday due to Escobedo’s condition, according to Variety. The close friendship between Kimmel and Escobedo, dating back to childhood in Las Vegas, highlights the personal impact of this loss within the entertainment industry.

Escobedo is survived by his wife, Lori, and their two children. Officials have not yet released the cause of death. Kimmel’s team is requesting privacy for the family during this difficult time.