BB.“I CRY ALL NIGHT” – Jimmy Kimmel reveals the cause of death of Cleto Escobedo III, his 59-year-old best friend!
Jimmy Kimmel Breaks Down On-Air As He Reveals The Cause Of Death Of His Lifelong Friend Cleto Escobedo III
It was a night that no one on Jimmy Kimmel Live! will ever forget. The host, known for his humor and wit, stood before the camera on Tuesday night with red eyes and a trembling voice. After a long pause, he finally said the words that broke hearts across Hollywood: his bandleader and childhood friend, Cleto Escobedo III, had died at 59.
“I cried all night that night,” Kimmel confessed
Cleto wasn’t just another musician on late-night TV. For over two decades, he had been the saxophone soul of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, bringing warmth, rhythm, and laughter to every episode. But beyond the spotlight, Cleto was Jimmy’s next-door neighbor growing up in Las Vegas. The two were inseparable kids who dreamed of doing something great together — and somehow, they did.
When Kimmel spoke on air, the studio fell silent. He fought back tears as he told viewers, “Early this morning, we lost a great friend, father, son, musician and man — my longtime bandleader Cleto Escobedo III. To say that we are heartbroken is an understatement.”
He went on to describe how their friendship began when he was just nine years old, recalling afternoons spent riding bikes, playing pranks, and sharing the kind of laughter that would later define their careers. “The fact that we got to work together every day,” Kimmel said softly, “was a dream neither of us could have imagined would come true.”
A life devoted to music and friendship
Before becoming a fixture on late-night television, Cleto Escobedo III had already built a rich career. His saxophone had graced stages with icons like Paula Abdul, Marc Anthony, and Stevie Wonder. Those who knew him say Cleto had a natural gift — not just for music, but for making people feel seen and loved.
“He was the kind of man who’d drop everything to help a friend,” one studio staffer shared. “He didn’t act like a celebrity. He was family to everyone here.”
Kimmel echoed that sentiment, describing Cleto as “the heart of the show.” And for anyone who’s watched Jimmy Kimmel Live!, that statement rings true. Cleto’s easy laughter and quick comebacks often balanced Jimmy’s biting wit. Together, they created a rare kind of chemistry — a friendship that audiences could feel through the screen.
What we know about his death
While Kimmel did not disclose the cause of death, reports suggest it may have been due to complications from a liver transplant. Escobedo had reportedly been struggling with health issues in recent months but continued to perform as often as he could.
His passing has sent shockwaves through the entertainment world. Musicians, comedians, and fans have flooded social media with messages of grief and gratitude. “Cleto was one of the most genuine souls in the business,” wrote Paula Abdul. “He made every room brighter with his music and his smile.”
Marc Anthony also paid tribute, posting, “The world lost a great musician, but Jimmy lost a brother. Rest easy, Cleto.”
A final farewell filled with tears and laughter
Kimmel’s 22-minute on-air tribute was raw, unscripted, and deeply human. He shared memories of sneaking out as teenagers, playing in garage bands, and celebrating their first paychecks together. There were laughs between tears — a reminder that Cleto’s legacy wasn’t just about music, but about joy.
At one point, Kimmel’s voice broke completely. “I cried all night that night,” he admitted, wiping away tears as the audience quietly applauded. “It’s hard to imagine walking into this studio and not seeing him there. But I know he’ll always be part of the show, somehow.”
Viewers across the country were moved to tears. Clips of the tribute quickly went viral, with fans commenting that it was one of the most emotional moments ever broadcast on late-night television.
As Kimmel closed the segment, the band — now missing its leader — softly played one of Cleto’s favorite tunes. The host stood silently, eyes glistening, as the studio lights dimmed.
For once, there were no jokes. No punchlines. Just a man saying goodbye to his oldest friend.
A legacy that will play on
Cleto Escobedo III may be gone, but his music — and the love he brought to millions — will never fade. His saxophone solos will live on in reruns, his laughter will echo in the halls of the studio, and his friendship with Jimmy Kimmel will remain one of the most touching stories in showbiz.
As Kimmel told his audience in closing: “If you have a friend you love, tell them. Don’t wait. I wish I had one more song with Cleto.”
Jimmy Kimmel paid tribute to Cleto Escobedo III on the air
https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/0xlVAr6JZ9A?&autoplay=1&rel=0&start=0&enablejsapi=1&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fftw.usatoday.com
Take the time to watch the entire thing. There are tears, stories about growing up together with pranks aplenty, how Escobedo got the job on Kimmel’s show and so much more.
Sending good thoughts to Escobedo’s family, loved ones and to Kimmel.
