Jimmy Kimmel and Cleto Escobedo III shared a close bond that went far beyond television. For more than two decades, Cleto led Cleto and the Cletones, the house band on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, bringing warmth, humor, and unmistakable energy to every show.
This week, he made headlines after the heartbreaking news of his passing was announced on social media.The announcement came from his loyal friend, Jimmy Kimmel, who shared a heartfelt post on Instagram that quickly went viral.
Jimmy Kimmel’s Emotional Tribute to Cleto Escobedo III
Jimmy Kimmel took to Instagram on Monday, the same day Cleto passed away, to share his grief with fans. According to his Instagram post, Cleto died on November 11, 2025, at the age of 59. While the cause of death has not been revealed.
For longtime viewers of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the announcement felt deeply personal. Cleto had been part of the show since its debut in 2003, leading Cleto and the Cletones with his saxophone and lovely smile.
His music helped create the joyful, relaxed atmosphere that made the program stand out in the world of late-night television.
Fans React to the News
The news of Cleto’s passing spread quickly, and fans filled the comments section of Kimmel’s post with love, prayers, and memories.
For countless viewers, Cleto wasn’t simply a musician. He was part of the show’s heartbeat, someone whose presence brought authenticity and fun every single night.
Career Reflection
Jimmy Kimmel expressed that he was 9 yeals old when met Cleto for the first time. Their childhood friendship grew into a lifelong creative partnership that became one of late-night TV’s most beloved collaborations.
The late music artist also performed with his father, Cleto Escobado Sr., on the stage of the same show. In January 2022, the father-son pair celebrated nearly two decades of their collaborative performances on screen with each other.
Cleto’s talent, charm, charisma, and humility became essential to the show’s heart and rhythm for more than twenty years.
Cleto Escobedo IIIs’s Legacy
Cleto Escobedo III’s legacy reaches well beyond music. As the leader of Cleto and the Cletones, he showed that friendship and loyalty can endure through time, fame, and success.
His story reminds us that true greatness comes not just from talent but from kindness and connection.
For Kimmel, Cleto wasn’t only a colleague. He was family. Their friendship was a rare example of loyalty and love that fans admired just as much as the music they made together.
Conclusion
Cleto’s passing leaves a quiet space on the Jimmy Kimmel Live! stage, but his spirit will never fade. The laughter he inspired, the songs he played, and the friendship he shared will continue to echo for years to come.
His friendship with Jimmy Kimmel reminds us that true bonds, built on laughter and music, can last a lifetime.
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