Jimmy Kimmelâs sister Jill is grieving the loss of Cleto Escobedo, the cherished âJimmy Kimmel Live!â band leader and Jimmyâs 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.
âI keep forgetting that youâve moved on from here,â she wrote. âBut Iâll never forget how much I loved you. Itâs been a beautiful life with you in it, Cleto. Rest well, my brother. ð.â
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 Cletoâs wife, children and parents in your prayers.”
He hosted that nightâs episode of âJimmy Kimmel Live!â despite his grief and broke down during what he described as the âhardestâ 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 Escobedoâs death, the November 12 and November 13 episodes of the show were canceled as the team grieved. Jimmy told viewers they needed a pause.
âWe’re going to take the next couple of nights off,â 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 showâs house band, Cleto and the Cletones, and was celebrated for his warmth, humor, and generosity.
Jimmy Launches Fundraisers in Cletoâs Honor
Jimmy announced two fundraisers to honor Escobedoâs legacy and reflect the generosity that defined him.
âAs we mourn his loss, we have started two fundraisers to celebrate his life and give back,â he wrote in a Nov. 14 Instagram post. âThe 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.â
The second fundraiser benefits The Animal Foundation in Las Vegas, a place Jimmy said Escobedo âloved deeplyâ and one that honored his lifelong affection for animals.
Escobedoâs death is a profound loss for the Kimmel family, the showâs staff, and generations of viewers who watched him bring music, humor, and heart to late-night television.
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