Jimmy Kimmel's longtime musical partner and childhood friend, Cleto Escobedo III, has died at the age of 59. The news was announced by Kimmel on social media, who paid tribute to his former band leader as "a dream neither of us could ever have imagined would come true."
Escobedo led the band Cleto and the Cletones for many years on Kimmel's late-night show "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" He was more than just a musician; he was also a close friend and mentor to Kimmel, with whom he shared a bond that dates back to their childhood in Las Vegas.
The two first met when Escobedo became Kimmel's neighbor in 1977. A heartwarming video tribute from 2016 celebrated Escobedo's 50th birthday, featuring photos of the pair as kids and reminiscing about their friendship. In an interview with Guillermo on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" last year, Escobedo shared his journey to becoming Kimmel's bandleader, describing it as the best gig he'd ever had.
Kimmel took to Instagram to express his devastation at losing his partner in music and beyond. He urged fans to keep Cleto's family in their prayers and celebrate the joy that Escobedo brought to those around him. With a career spanning decades, Cleto Escobedo III leaves behind an enduring legacy of friendship, music, and laughter – a memory that neither Kimmel nor his audience will soon forget.
Escobedo led the band Cleto and the Cletones for many years on Kimmel's late-night show "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" He was more than just a musician; he was also a close friend and mentor to Kimmel, with whom he shared a bond that dates back to their childhood in Las Vegas.
The two first met when Escobedo became Kimmel's neighbor in 1977. A heartwarming video tribute from 2016 celebrated Escobedo's 50th birthday, featuring photos of the pair as kids and reminiscing about their friendship. In an interview with Guillermo on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" last year, Escobedo shared his journey to becoming Kimmel's bandleader, describing it as the best gig he'd ever had.
Kimmel took to Instagram to express his devastation at losing his partner in music and beyond. He urged fans to keep Cleto's family in their prayers and celebrate the joy that Escobedo brought to those around him. With a career spanning decades, Cleto Escobedo III leaves behind an enduring legacy of friendship, music, and laughter – a memory that neither Kimmel nor his audience will soon forget.
59 can't be too young, especially for someone who's been rocking with Jimmy for decades. His impact on the show was more than just the music, he brought a part of himself every night 
Cleto Escobedo III was more than just a musician to Jimmy Kimmel he was like his BFF 
their friendship started when they were kids in Vegas and it's so beautiful to see how that bond grew into something amazing 
those two had a chemistry that was just pure magic 
Jimmy Kimmel is still hurting from this loss but his words on Instagram were so beautiful he's keeping Cleto's family in his prayers and reminding us all to celebrate the joy he brought to our lives 
we'll miss him so much but his legacy will live on through the music and memories of those who knew him 
I'm so sad to hear about Cleto's passing 
. Jimmy was always super close to him, like more than just bandmates 
. They grew up together in Vegas and it's crazy how their friendship has lasted for so long 
. Jimmy's right, we should be sending prayers to his family 
. It's wild that they've had this amazing bond since childhood... what was it like growing up with someone who became your musical partner? 
i mean, who else can say they had a childhood friend become their partner in crime for 40+ years? that's some next level bond right there 
rest in peace to a legend, but i know jimmy's gonna keep celebrating their friendship for years to come 
. And his journey to becoming Jimmy's bandleader is such an inspiring story, it's like he found his dream gig and made it happen! 
Jimmy's tribute on social media was so sweet, and I'm sure Cleto would want fans to keep celebrating the joy he brought to people's lives 
. He may be gone, but his legacy will live on through all the music, memories, and laughter they shared 
Oh man I'm so sorry to hear about Jimmy Kimmel's friend Cleto... 59 feels way too young 
rest in peace to Cleto, you will be deeply missed 
cleto may be gone but his legacy will live on 
HE MUST HAVE BEEN AN AMAZING MENTOR TO JIMMY AND THE REST OF THE CREW ON THE SHOW. I'M GOING TO MISS HIM TOO, HE SEEMED LIKE SUCH A FUN-LOVING GUY WHO BROUGHT SO MUCH JOY TO PEOPLE'S LIVES 
. It's crazy how Jimmy's life has been so intertwined with Cleto's since they were kids 
, now Escobedo's gone and I'm feeling nostalgic 
just found out about Cleto's passing and I'm totally gutted. I've always loved how Jimmy & Cleto were like two peas in a pod - they complemented each other so well on stage, but it was more than that. They genuinely seemed to be best buds I mean, who else gets to say they met their partner when they were kids living next door?