Jimmy Kimmel’s Sister Shares Tearful Tribute to Beloved Family Friend Cleto Escobedo

Jimmy Kimmel’s sister Jill is grieving the loss of Cleto Escobedo, the cherished “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” band leader and Jimmy’s lifelong friend. Escobedo died on Tuesday, November 11, at age 59, and Jimmy shared the heartbreaking news in an emotional Instagram post that same day.

Jill honored him with her own tribute on Sunday, November 16, posting a photo of a memorial featuring his framed portrait, a wreath, and glowing candles.

“I keep forgetting that you’ve moved on from here,” she wrote. “But I’ll never forget how much I loved you. It’s been a beautiful life with you in it, Cleto. Rest well, my brother. 💔.”

Jimmy Reflects on Their Lifelong Friendship in Heartbreaking Message

Jimmy honored Escobedo with a deeply personal tribute. They grew up together and have remained inseparable since childhood.

“Early this morning, we lost a great friend, father, son, musician, and man, my longtime bandleader Cleto Escobedo III,” Jimmy wrote.

“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 ever have imagined would come true. Cherish your friends and please keep Cleto’s wife, children and parents in your prayers.”

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He hosted that night’s episode of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” despite his grief and broke down during what he described as the “hardest” monologue he had ever delivered.

“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,” Jimmy said. “Everyone loves Cleto… everyone here at the show. We are devastated by this. It’s not… It’s just not fair.”

Show Pauses Production as Team Grieves Beloved Band Leader

After Escobedo’s death, the November 12 and November 13 episodes of the show were canceled as the team grieved. Jimmy told viewers they needed a pause.

“We’re going to take the next couple of nights off,” he said. The Nov. 11 episode still aired because, according to Jimmy, Escobedo would not have wanted them to miss the opportunity to interview guest Eddie Murphy.

Escobedo served as the band leader for the show’s house band, Cleto and the Cletones, and was celebrated for his warmth, humor, and generosity.

Jimmy Launches Fundraisers in Cleto’s Honor

Jimmy announced two fundraisers to honor Escobedo’s legacy and reflect the generosity that defined him.

“As we mourn his loss, we have started two fundraisers to celebrate his life and give back,” he wrote in a Nov. 14 Instagram post. “The first is for UCLA Medical Center, where he received such incredible care. Together we can help vulnerable patients and families in need of financial assistance during hard times.”

The second fundraiser benefits The Animal Foundation in Las Vegas, a place Jimmy said Escobedo “loved deeply” and one that honored his lifelong affection for animals.

Escobedo’s death is a profound loss for the Kimmel family, the show’s staff, and generations of viewers who watched him bring music, humor, and heart to late-night television.

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