The forged and crew of Jimmy Kimmel Reside! are grieving a major loss. Jimmy Kimmel introduced the heartbreaking loss of life of his childhood good friend and Cleto and the Cletones bandleader, Cleto Escobedo III, on November 11, 2025. Escobedo was 59 when he died, which prompted viewers to surprise what occurred to the professional saxophone participant.
“To say that we’re heartbroken is an understatement,” the late-night host wrote, partly, in an Instagram publish alongside a photograph of Escobedo.
“Early this morning, we misplaced an important good friend, father, son, musician and man, my longtime bandleader Cleto Escobedo III,” Kimmel continued. “Cleto and I’ve been inseparable since I used to be 9 years outdated. The truth that we started working collectively day by day is a dream neither of us may ever have imagined would come true. Cherish your folks and please preserve Cleto’s spouse, kids and oldsters in your prayers.”
How Lengthy Did Jimmy Kimmel & Cleto Escobedo Know Every Different?
Kimmel and Escobedo had been long-time pals. They’ve identified one another for the reason that comic was 9 years outdated, after rising up as neighbors in Las Vegas.
In 2015, Kimmel recalled witnessing his good friend develop up from a “baby prodigy” to knowledgeable musician.
“Like, the entire faculty would collect to observe. He’d get standing ovations. It was a loopy factor,” Kimmel mentioned in 2015, in line with ABC7. The comic additionally identified that Escobedo had toured with a number of skills, together with Earth, Wind and Hearth and Paula Abdul. This and his plain stage presence helped the saxophone participant land a gig as Kimmel’s bandleader.
“And I simply thought, oh my God, ? I’ve a chat present. Cleto must be my bandleader,” Kimmel defined, earlier than recalling how “nervous” he was if Disney had advised him, “We don’t need your good friend to be the bandleader.”
“So, I took the president of ABC to see him play along with his band, and he beloved it,” Kimmel mentioned. “After all, I needed nice musicians, however I needed anyone I had chemistry with. And there’s no one in my life I’ve higher chemistry with than him.”
What Occurred to Cleto Escobedo?
It’s nonetheless unclear what occurred to Escobedo. Kimmel didn’t disclose a reason behind loss of life for his late good friend, and nobody from Escobedo’s interior circle or household has spoken out by the point of publication.
Was Cleto Escobedo Married With Kids?
Sure, as Kimmel famous in his announcement, Escobedo is survived by his spouse and kids.
