Jimmy Kimmel tearfully honored his lifelong friend and band leader Cleto Escobedo III during a live episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, following Escobedo’s sudden death at 59.

In an emotional and heart-wrenching moment that left audiences around the world stunned, Jimmy Kimmel opened Tuesday night’s episode

of *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* in tears to honor the sudden passing of his lifelong friend and the iconic band leader of the show, Cleto Escobedo III.

Known to millions as the driving force behind Cleto and the Cletones, Escobedo died at the age of 59, leaving behind a legacy of music, laughter, and an indelible friendship that spanned decades.

Kimmel, 57, struggled to contain his emotions as he addressed the audience, describing the loss as both personal and profoundly unfair.

“We’ve been on the air for almost 23 years and I’ve had to do some hard monologues along the way, but this one’s the hardest because late

last night, early this morning, we lost someone very special who was much too young,” Kimmel admitted, voice trembling as he shared a childhood story about Escobedo.

Escobedo’s journey to becoming the house band leader at *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* was as impressive as it was inspiring.

A child prodigy who played the saxophone from a young age, Escobedo had toured with legendary acts including Earth, Wind & Fire and Paula Abdul and even secured his own record deal before joining the show.

Yet beyond his musical prowess, it was his chemistry with Kimmel that made him indispensable.

“Of course, I wanted great musicians, but I wanted somebody I had chemistry with. And there’s nobody in my life I have better chemistry with than him,” Kimmel explained in a past interview.

Their friendship began in childhood, a bond that would only deepen when the talk show premiered in 2003, turning their personal connection into a public celebration of music, humor, and camaraderie.

Tuesday’s episode was a tribute in every sense of the word. The show’s staff, guests, and viewers witnessed Kimmel’s raw grief as he announced the cancellation of the following two nights’ episodes to mourn Escobedo properly.

Despite his heartbreak, the decision to air the tribute on November 11 allowed them to honor Escobedo while including scheduled guest Eddie Murphy, a nod to the musician’s love for keeping the show’s energy alive.

Kimmel described Escobedo as “a great friend, father, son, musician, and man,” emphasizing the wide-reaching impact he had on everyone around him.

The tribute also highlighted Escobedo’s family legacy in music.

His father, Cleto Escobedo Sr., a long-time member of the Cletones, performed alongside his son during the emotional episode, while Escobedo’s mother sat in the audience, witnessing the show that had become a central part of her family’s life.

Kimmel reflected on the sacrifices that shaped Escobedo’s musical journey, noting how Cleto Sr. had quit touring to stay home and support

his son’s education, working as a busboy at Caesar’s Palace for three decades, ensuring that young Cleto had the foundation to pursue his dreams.

Throughout the episode, Kimmel shared anecdotes that captured the heart of their friendship. From stories of childhood adventures to behind-the-scenes moments on the show, the host painted a picture of a man who was both a brilliant musician and a cherished friend.

Escobedo’s influence extended beyond the bandstand; he was a confidant, a mentor, and a constant presence in Kimmel’s life.

“Everyone loves Cleto… everyone here at the show,” Kimmel said, his voice breaking, “we are devastated by this. It’s not… it’s just not fair.”

Escobedo’s sudden death comes just days after Kimmel had postponed the November 6 episode of his show due to a “personal matter,” adding to the emotional weight of the moment for the host and the production team.

The musician’s contributions, however, will continue to resonate. Over nearly two decades, Cleto and the Cletones became synonymous with the show’s identity, providing musical interludes, cues, and unforgettable performances that punctuated monologues and sketches alike.

Kimmel acknowledged this, emphasizing that the show’s success was inseparable from the energy and artistry Escobedo brought every night.

The legacy of Cleto Escobedo III is one of unparalleled dedication to his craft and the people he loved. His life story is a testament to the power of friendship, mentorship, and the joy that music brings to audiences around the world.

Kimmel’s tearful tribute, shared with millions on television and social media, reminded viewers that behind the glitz and glamour of late-night television lies a web of personal bonds, sacrifices, and irreplaceable human connections.

As the episode drew to a close, the sadness was palpable, but so was the celebration of a life well-lived. Friends, family, colleagues, and fans alike were left reflecting on the indelible mark Escobedo left on both the show and those fortunate enough to know him personally.

Kimmel’s heartfelt message to the public was clear: cherish the people who bring light into your life, honor their memory, and never underestimate the profound impact of lifelong friendship.

With the show taking a brief hiatus to mourn, viewers can expect future episodes to carry forward Escobedo’s spirit, his music echoing in every note and melody, a permanent tribute to a man whose life touched countless hearts.

The tears shed on November 11, 2025, were not only for the loss of a talented musician but for the closing of a chapter in American television that had been defined by laughter, music, and the unbreakable bond between two lifelong friends.

Jimmy Kimmel’s grief is universal—a reminder that even in the spotlight, the human heart feels loss, love, and the weight of friendship more deeply than any monologue could ever convey.

Cleto Escobedo III may have passed at 59, but his presence will reverberate on the stage, in the melodies of Cleto and the Cletones, and in the hearts of everyone who shared in his music, laughter, and enduring legacy.

His story is a cinematic reminder that some friendships are bigger than fame, bigger than time, and that the music of life often carries the echoes of those we hold most dear.