Late in the week of November 2025, Jimmy Kimmel publicly reflected on the health struggle of his longtime friend and band leader Cleto Escobedo III, following the musician’s passing at age 59. E! Online
A Friendship Forged Early
Kimmel and Escobedo’s connection ran deep: they had known each other since childhood and worked side-by-side for decades. The host shared on Instagram that the two had been “inseparable since I was nine years old.”
Escobedo served as the band leader on Jimmy Kimmel Live! since its debut in 2003 — a role that allowed their professional and personal lives to blend
The Health Battle
While the exact cause of Escobedo’s death has not been publicly disclosed, Jimmy Kimmel revealed that his friend had been receiving treatment at the UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles
In his tribute, Kimmel emphasised that Escobedo was “always kind and eager to help others.” He announced the launch of two fundraisers in his honour:
- One for UCLA Medical Center, to support vulnerable patients and families who need financial assistance.
- The other for The Animal Foundation in Las Vegas, to honour Escobedo’s love of animals.
Remembering a Musician & Friend
In his emotional statement, Kimmel described Escobedo as “a great friend, father, son [musician] and man.”
During a rehearsal moment captured on the show, Kimmel said through tears:
“We had so many adventures. We would laugh so hard. We had our own language that almost no one else understood… We didn’t even have to say anything.
An Outpouring of Support
Following the news of Escobedo’s passing, numerous artists and entertainers posted their condolences:
Conclusion:
The passing of Cleto Escobedo III highlights not only the end of a rich musical career, but the loss of a cherished friendship built over decades. Through his tribute and fundraising efforts, Jimmy Kimmel is helping to honour Escobedo’s legacy — both as a talented musician and as a compassionate, generous individual.
If you’d like, I can pull together a full timeline of Escobedo’s career or list more of the celebrity tributes
