Jimmy Kimmel's Heartfelt Tribute to His Best Friend and Band Leader, Cleto Escobedo III

A Personal Loss for Jimmy Kimmel

• 💔 Jimmy Kimmel shared a deeply personal and emotional tribute, breaking down in tears while announcing the death of his band leader and best friend, Cleto Escobedo III.
• 😥 Kimmel described this as the hardest monologue he's had to deliver in his nearly 23 years on air, emphasizing the profound personal loss.

A Lifelong Friendship

• 🤝 Kimmel and Escobedo shared a friendship that began when Kimmel was just nine years old, living near each other and becoming inseparable.
• 🎶 Their shared musical interest, with Kimmel playing clarinet and Escobedo the saxophone, was an early connection.

Cleto Escobedo III's Role on Late Night

• 🎤 When Jimmy Kimmel launched his late-night show in 2002, he insisted that Cleto Escobedo III lead the band, finding the idea of anyone else in that role terrifying.
• 🗓️ Escobedo had been a constant presence, leading the band for the entire 22-year run of the show.

Circumstances of Death

• 😔 Escobedo had been absent from the show for several months.
• 🏥 Published reports indicate his death was due to complications following a liver transplant.
• 🕊️ He passed away at the age of 59.

Remembering Cleto Escobedo III

• ✨ Kimmel remembered Escobedo as the nicest, most humble, kind, and always funny person.
• ⏳ In the wake of this loss, Jimmy Kimmel announced he would be taking the rest of the week off to grieve.