HH. BREAKING: Jimmy Kimmel Mourns the Loss of His Longtime Bandleader & Childhood Friend, Cleto Escobedo III

Los Angeles, CA — A wave of sorrow rippled across the entertainment world early this morning, as Jimmy Kimmel shared heartbreaking news: his longtime bandleader, Cleto Escobedo III, has passed away. In an emotional statement, Kimmel described Escobedo — his friend since childhood — not just as a musician, but as “brother” and “family.”

“To say that we are heartbroken is an understatement. Cleto and I have been inseparable since I was nine years old,” Kimmel said, his voice cracking with grief.

For more than two decades, Escobedo was the musical heartbeat of Jimmy Kimmel Live. Backed by his soulful saxophone and infectious energy, he helped define the show’s sound — his smooth riffs underscored countless monologues, guest introductions, and late-night moments.

A Bond Forged in Childhood and Strengthened Over Years

Kimmel and Escobedo’s friendship dates to their earliest days. According to Kimmel, the two first crossed paths in school, joking that they “were trouble together before we knew it.” As the years passed and Kimmel’s television career soared, Escobedo remained by his side, guiding the band with both technical skill and a warm, steady presence.

“Our partnership was never just professional,” Kimmel reflected. “It was rooted in loyalty, laughter, and shared dreams we didn’t realize we were building together.”

When Jimmy Kimmel Live premiered, Escobedo wasn’t just the bandleader — he was a constant: a familiar figure reshaping ordinary studio corners into soulful, musical places. He played in the background, yet his presence felt front and center.

A Legacy of Music, Joy, and Quiet Leadership

Tributes poured in across Hollywood and beyond almost immediately after Kimmel’s announcement. Fellow musicians called Escobedo a “quiet genius,” praising his ability to elevate any performance with elegance and heart. Cast and crew members on Kimmel’s show shared memories of Escobedo’s gentle mentorship and gentle humor on set.

One longtime colleague said:

“Cleto didn’t just play notes — he gave us soul. He lifted everyone around him.”

To fans, his saxophone became something more than an instrument: a voice, a comfort, a constant in a show built on laughter and surprise. In countless TikToks and Instagram Stories, viewers shared clips of Escobedo’s solos, recalling how his music made them feel seen, understood, and at home.

The Personal and the Universal

In his statement, Kimmel asked fans to remember Escobedo’s family in their prayers: his wife, children, and parents. That request underscored the deeply personal nature of the loss. It also reminded the public that behind their favorite moments on late-night television, real relationships — real people — made magic happen.

“Cherish your friends,” Kimmel urged. “Please keep Cleto’s wife, children, and parents in your prayers.”

That simple plea has swung open a door into collective mourning. Within hours, #RIPCleto was trending on social media. Fans shared stories of how his music had carried them through late-night study sessions, heartbreaks, and quiet Sunday mornings.

A Community in Grief — and Gratitude

Late-night shows, music circles, and talk-show panels have since devoted airtime to Escobedo’s legacy. Many called him an unsung hero of television, someone who rarely sought the spotlight but whose impact could not be overstated.

Producers and fellow musicians alike praised his humility, saying he never chased accolades — he simply poured his heart into every note.

Kimmel, for his part, acknowledged that nothing would ever quite feel the same without Escobedo by his side.

“We built something together,” he said. “One day, I realized: he gave every show its soul. And now, that soul rests in peace.”

A Final Note

As the world mourns Cleto Escobedo III, his legacy lives on in the soundtracks he created and in the lives he touched. His music continues to play on Jimmy Kimmel Live, in the hearts of fans, and in every quiet room filled with memories.

In his tribute, Kimmel reminded us all of a simple but profound truth: friendship matters. Music matters. And love outlives even the greatest harmonies.

May Cleto’s family find comfort in this outpouring of grief and gratitude — and may his music continue to sing for generations.