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Cleto Escobedo III — who had served as the bandleader on Jimmy Kimmel Live since the show began back in 2003 — has passed away.

He was just 59 years old.

News of Escobedo’s passing comes courtesy of a social media statement posted by Kimmel on Tuesday afternoon.

Jimmy Kimmel announces death of lifelong friend

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

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