It was an emotional opening to Jimmy Kimmel Live! on November 11 as the host shared news of his friend's untimely death. Jimmy was in tears as he updated the audience on Cleto Escobedo lll's passing at the age of 59. The musician — who was also the bandleader of the Jimmy Kimmel Lives!'s house band Cleto and the Cletones — held a special place in Jimmy's heart as the pair were lifelong friends.

He remembered his "great" pal in a heartfelt speech which can be seen above. But as Jimmy and Cleto's loved ones mourn his loss, here's what HELLO! knows about the musician's legacy and his death.

Paying tribute

© Getty Images Jimmy paid an emotional tribute to Cleto

Ahead of his show, Jimmy wrote a post on Instagram calling Cleto a "great friend, father, son, musician and man."

"To say

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