Television host Jimmy Kimmel has announced the heartbreaking death of his best friend and longtime bandleader, Cleto Escobedo III, who has passed away at the age of 59.
The sad news was shared by Kimmel in a deeply personal Instagram post on November 11, 2025, where he paid tribute to the man he described as his inseparable companion since childhood.
A Friendship Spanning Five Decades
Jimmy Kimmel revealed that he and Escobedo had been best friends since they were just nine years old, making their professional collaboration on late-night television a dream come true for both of them.
In his emotional social media post, Kimmel wrote: ‘Early this morning, we lost a great friend, father, son, musician and man, my longtime bandleader Cleto Escobedo III.’
He continued, emphasising the depth of their bond: ‘To say that we are heartbroken is an understatement. Cleto and I have been inseparable since I was nine years old. The fact that we got to work together every day is a dream neither of us could ever have imagined would come true.’
The Heartbeat of Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Cleto Escobedo III had been the bandleader for Jimmy Kimmel Live! since its debut in 2003, becoming a familiar face to viewers across two decades of late-night television.
His band, Cleto and the Cletones, provided the show's signature sound—a vibrant mix of funk, jazz, and soul that became synonymous with the programme's energy.
Escobedo was frequently seen with his saxophone, and his father, Cleto Escobedo Sr., also occasionally performed alongside him on the show, creating a musical family legacy within the programme.
Remembering a Musical Legacy
While the cause of Escobedo's death has not been publicly disclosed, the entertainment world is mourning the loss of a talented musician who helped define the sound of modern late-night television.
In his tribute, Kimmel urged his followers to ‘cherish your friends and please keep Cleto’s wife, children and parents in your prayers,’ highlighting the importance of family and friendship during times of loss.
The passing of Cleto Escobedo III represents not just the loss of a talented musician, but the end of a remarkable fifty-year friendship that successfully transitioned from childhood companionship to professional partnership on one of television's biggest stages.
