The solid and crew of Jimmy Kimmel Dwell! are grieving a big 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 marvel what occurred to the professional saxophone participant.
“To say that we’re heartbroken is an understatement,” the late-night host wrote, partially, in an Instagram put up alongside a photograph of Escobedo.
“Early this morning, we misplaced an awesome 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 “Cleto and I’ve been inseparable since I used to be 9 years outdated.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 daily is a dream neither of us may ever have imagined would come true. Cherish your mates and please hold Cleto’s spouse, kids and oldsters in your prayers.”
How Lengthy Did Jimmy Kimmel & Cleto Escobedo Know Every Different?
Kimmel and Escobedo have been long-time mates. They’ve identified one another for the reason that comic was 9 years outdated, after rising up as neighbors in Las Vegas.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 “youngster prodigy” to an expert musician.
“Like, the entire faculty would collect to observe. He’d get standing ovations. It was a loopy factor,” Kimmel stated in 2015, in keeping with ABC7. The comic additionally identified that Escobedo had toured with a number of abilities, together with Earth, Wind and Fireplace 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, you understand? 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 together with his band, and he cherished it,” Kimmel stated. “After all, I needed nice musicians, however I needed someone 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 for 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 youngsters.
