Live Update
Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel was visibly emotional during Monday night’s episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! as he paid tribute to his longtime friend and bandleader, Cleto Escobedo III, who passed away unexpectedly over the weekend.
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Fighting back tears, Kimmel addressed viewers at the top of the show, saying, “I’m heartbroken to lose him. Cleto wasn’t just our bandleader—he was family. He’s been by my side since the very beginning, and I can’t imagine this show, or life, without him.”
Escobedo, a talented saxophonist and beloved fixture on the late-night stage, had been with Kimmel since Jimmy Kimmel Live! premiered in 2003. Their friendship, however, went back much further — the two grew up together in Las Vegas and shared a lifelong bond that translated on screen through humor, music, and genuine affection.
Kimmel’s voice cracked as he recalled their early days: “We met in junior high. We dreamed about doing something like this one day — and somehow, we did. For more than 20 years, Cleto made every day brighter for everyone around him.”
Fans and celebrities alike have flooded social media with tributes, remembering Escobedo’s warmth, talent, and infectious energy. Fellow musicians and late-night peers expressed condolences, calling him “a true gentleman” and “the heart of the show’s band.”
ABC and Jimmy Kimmel Live! have yet to announce how the show will honor Escobedo in the coming weeks, but a special musical tribute is expected soon.
As Kimmel concluded his heartfelt monologue, he looked toward the band area, visibly emotional, and said, “Cleto, we love you. Thank you for every note, every laugh, and every moment.”
💔 Cleto Escobedo III (1965–2025): A friend, a musician, a legend.