Jimmy Kimmel’s band leader and beloved friend, Cleto Escobedo III, has died at age 59, the popular talk show host announced Tuesday in an emotional tribute.

Escobedo was the leader of the house band on and Kimmel’s close friend since childhood.

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

“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.”

The cause of death was not released.

Escobedo had been noticeably absent

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