In an emotional episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, host Jimmy Kimmel broke down in tears as he paid tribute to his lifelong friend and bandleader, Cleto Escobedo III, who passed away at the age of 59. The heartfelt moment, which opened Tuesday night’s show, left both the audience and Kimmel’s team deeply moved.
Kimmel, who has been on air for nearly 23 years, began his monologue with visible emotion. “We’ve been on the air for almost 23 years, and I’ve had to do some hard monologues along the way,” he said, pausing as tears welled up. “But this one’s the hardest, because late last night, early this morning, we lost someone very special who was much too young to go.”
A Friendship That Spanned a Lifetime
Cleto Escobedo III wasn’t just Kimmel’s bandleader — he was one of his oldest and dearest friends. The two first met as kids growing up in Las Vegas, and their friendship blossomed into a lifelong bond that eventually carried over into their professional lives.
“There was a boy who lived on my block,” Kimmel recalled, his voice trembling as childhood photos of the pair appeared on screen. “He lived across the street and two houses over. His name was Cleto, but we all called him Junior.”
The two were inseparable throughout their youth. “We became 24/7 friends — ‘Mom, please let me sleep over, please’ kind of friends,” Kimmel shared with a bittersweet smile. “One summer, I slept over at the Escobedo house 33 nights in a row. My mother used to make me get down on my knees and beg to sleep at his house — and I would gladly do it because we were never bored. We were always up to something.”
As Kimmel spoke, the studio displayed nostalgic photos from their childhood, capturing moments of laughter, mischief, and lifelong camaraderie. Escobedo’s parents, who were seated in the audience that night, were visibly emotional during the tribute.
From the Neighborhood to the Night Show
When Kimmel landed his own late-night show in 2003, he knew exactly who he wanted by his side. “My best friend from growing up plays the saxophone — he could lead the band,” Kimmel recalled pitching. “It didn’t sound like a great idea at the time,” he admitted with a laugh through tears.
But Escobedo and his father — also named Cleto, and a member of the show’s band — proved they were more than capable. Their audition won over the producers instantly. “They played ‘Pick Up the Pieces’ by the Average White Band,” Kimmel said, smiling at the memory. “Lloyd saw it — he saw the father and son. He said, ‘I love it!’ And he got up and left. That was it. We’ve been working together every day for almost 23 years.”
That partnership wasn’t just professional — it was built on decades of brotherhood. Escobedo became an integral part of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, not only for his musical talents but also for the warmth, humor, and positivity he brought to the entire crew.
A Heartfelt Goodbye
During his tribute, Kimmel described Escobedo as “the nicest, most humble, kind, and always funny person.” The loss, he said, has left the entire Jimmy Kimmel Live! team “devastated.”
“This just isn’t fair,” Kimmel said quietly, tears streaming down his face. “Everyone here at the show — we are devastated by this. He was the heart of our band, and one of the kindest souls I’ve ever known.”
To honor Escobedo’s memory, Kimmel announced that Jimmy Kimmel Live! would take a short hiatus. “We’ll be taking the next couple of nights off,” he said, ending the monologue by thanking the audience for their understanding.
A Bond That Transcended the Stage
Kimmel’s bond with Escobedo extended far beyond their careers. When Escobedo’s health took a turn for the worse, Kimmel canceled last Thursday’s show to be with him in his final moments.
After Escobedo’s passing, Kimmel shared an emotional post on Instagram:
“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 have imagined would come true. Cherish your friends and please keep Cleto’s wife, children, and parents in your prayers.”
Fans and celebrities from across the entertainment world flooded the comments section with condolences, expressing their grief and admiration for Escobedo’s incredible spirit and musicianship.
A Touching Tribute During an ’80s-Themed Week
This week’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! episodes were designed as an ’80s-themed celebration featuring guests like Eddie Murphy, Morgan Fairchild, and the band Men at Work. Tuesday’s episode took on a deeper emotional tone as the tribute to Escobedo unfolded amidst the nostalgic theme — a reminder of the lasting impact of friendship, music, and laughter.
Escobedo had been a key part of Kimmel’s band since day one, leading with his saxophone and infectious personality. His chemistry with Kimmel and the rest of the band was a cornerstone of the show’s warm, family-like dynamic.
Putting Family and Friendship First
This isn’t the first time Kimmel has paused his show to prioritize loved ones. In 2017, he took time off when his son, Billy, underwent multiple heart surgeries due to a congenital defect. Thankfully, Billy has since made a full recovery.
Kimmel has always been known for his loyalty and compassion — values that extend beyond his personal life into his work environment. Many of his close friends and family members are part of the Jimmy Kimmel Live! crew, and Escobedo was among the most beloved of them all.
His decision to step away from the show temporarily highlights the depth of their friendship and the importance of cherishing personal connections even in the midst of professional success.
Cleto Escobedo III: A Legacy of Music and Joy
Cleto Escobedo III was more than a talented musician; he was a source of joy and positivity for everyone who knew him. Over two decades on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, he became a familiar face and sound for millions of viewers around the world.
His effortless charisma, humor, and musical brilliance made him a fan favorite. As tributes pour in from friends, fans, and fellow musicians, it’s clear that his legacy will continue to inspire long after his final performance.
Jimmy Kimmel’s tearful monologue serves as a powerful reminder to appreciate the people who make our lives brighter — the ones who stand beside us through decades of laughter, growth, and change.