Talk show host Jimmy Kimmel has paid tribute to a close friend and associate of âJimmy Kimmel Live!â The tearful monologue came a day after it was revealed that Cleto Escobedo III, the leader of the show’s house band Cleto and the Cletones, had passed away at the age of 59.
Jimmy Kimmel Pays Tearful Tribute To Cleto Escobedo
Opening the show with his traditional monologue (via YouTube), Kimmel was noticeably emotional when he began speaking about his friend. He quickly paid tribute to his friend and explained how hard the situation was proving for everyone on the production.
“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 said.
“Everyone loves Cleto… everyone here at the show,” Kimmel later said. “We are devastated by this. It’s not… It’s just not fair.â
Both of Escobado’s parents were in attendance for the recording, with his mother watching from the audience and Cleto Escobedo Sr playing as part of the band. The host also confirmed that he and the rest of the staff involved in the show would be taking a break, meaning episodes on November 12 and 13 will not air as planned.
âWe’re going to take the next couple of nights off,” Kimmel explained.
Talk Show Host Announces Passing Of Close Friend
Kimmel and Escobedo had known each other since they were young children and have worked together for more than two decades on the late night show.
Announcing the news on Instagram, Kimmel revealed how happy he was that he got to work with such a good friend every day for so long.
âTo say that we are heartbroken is an understatement,” said Kimmel. “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 ever have imagined would come true. Cherish your friends and please keep Cletoâs wife, children and parents in your prayers.â
Paula Abdul Also Pays Tribute
A talented touring musician, Escobedo had also supported artists such as Earth, Wind and Fire and Paula Abdul during his musical career. The âAmerican Idolâ judge also paid tribute to the band leader after news of his death broke.
âMy heart is heavy today as we say goodbye to the incredible Cleto Escobedo III,â Abdul wrote on Instagram. âI first met Cleto when he was playing sax in a small bar at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. I was putting together my band for my first world tour, and the moment I heard him, I knew I had to hire him, even though he didnât have any touring experience yet. His talent and energy were undeniable, and he went on to have an amazing career, reuniting with his best friend Jimmy Kimmel as the bandleader on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Cleto was pure light and soul, both on and off stage.â
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