Thursday, November 13, 2025 -Jimmy Kimmel delivered one of the most heartfelt monologues of his career this week, paying tribute to longtime friend and bandleader Cleto Escobedo III, who died at age 59.
The pair’s bond stretched from childhood neighbours in Las Vegas to over two decades working together on Jimmy Kimmel Live!. Kimmel described Escobedo as “a great friend, father, son, musician and man,” emphasising how deeply he will be missed.
Escobedo’s musical journey was impressive — he led the house band “Cleto and the Cletones” and toured with major artists before joining Kimmel’s show. Kimmel noted that when he launched the show, the first call he made was to his childhood friend to lead the band, saying he couldn’t imagine doing it without him. The two worked side by side for nearly 23 years until Escobedo’s sudden passing.
Though Kimmel announced a brief hiatus for the show in light of the loss, his focus remains on honouring his friend’s legacy and the memories they shared. He urged his audience to “cherish your friends — we’re not here forever,” reminding us all how vital relationships are, especially those built over a lifetime of shared laughter, music and trust.
0 Comments