Cleto Escobedo III, the accomplished musician and bandleader of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, has passed away at the age of 59. Escobedo, who led the house band Cleto and the Cletones since the show’s launch in 2003, was widely admired not only for his musical talent but also for his lifelong friendship with host Jimmy Kimmel. His death was announced by Kimmel on social media, shortly after the November 6 episode of the show was postponed due to a personal matter involving the host.

Kimmel shared an emotional tribute to Escobedo, highlighting the depth of their decades-long bond. “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. Cleto and I have been inseparable since I was nine

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