Jimmy Kimmel is grieving the loss of one of his closest friends and colleagues, Cleto Escobedo III. The longtime Jimmy Kimmel Live! bandleader and saxophonist, who had been with the show since it premiered in 2003, died at age 59 on November 11, 2025.
Shortly after, Kimmel shared a heartbreaking message on Instagram honoring his friend. He wrote, “Early this morning, we lost a great friend, father, son, musician and man, my longtime bandleader Cleto Escobedo III. To say that we are heartbroken is an understatement. Cleto and I have been inseparable since I was nine years old. The fact that we got to work together every day is a dream neither of us could ever have imagined would come true. Cherish your friends and please keep Cleto’s wife, children and parents in your prayers.”
Kimmel also delivered an emotional on-air tribute to Cleto on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, holding back tears as he reflected on their decades-long friendship and the irreplaceable presence Cleto brought to the show. The late-night host said their bond was more like that of brothers than co-workers.
Learn more about Jimmy’s longtime friend, Cleto, below.
He Was Jimmy Kimmel’s Lifelong Friend
Cleto and Jimmy ’s friendship began when they were just nine years old in Las Vegas. The two grew up together, attended the same schools, and bonded over their shared love of music and comedy. Their lifelong friendship became the foundation of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, with Kimmel often referring to Cleto as more of a brother than a co-worker.
He Served as the Jimmy Kimmel Live! Bandleader for Over 20 Years
When Jimmy Kimmel Live! premiered in 2003, Cleto became the show’s bandleader and saxophonist — a role he held for over 20 years. He led Cleto & The Cletones, the official house band, and helped define the show’s upbeat, soulful sound. Cleto’s humor, energy, and easy chemistry with Kimmel made him a beloved fixture on late-night TV. .
His Father Was Also in the Band
Cleto’s father, Cleto Escobedo Jr., was a musician himself — and the two shared the Jimmy Kimmel Live! stage together for years. The father-son duo quickly became fan favorites, often joking with Kimmel and performing side by side.
He Toured With Paula Abdul Early in His Music Career
Before joining Kimmel in the early 2000s, Cleto had already built an impressive résumé as a professional saxophonist. He toured with pop icon Paula Abdul, performing during her live shows and honing his skills on some of the biggest stages of the 1990s. Cleto’s versatility later led him to work with acclaimed artists including Earth, Wind & Fire, Marc Anthony, and Santana.
He Was Married and a Father of Two
Cleto was married to Lori Escobedo, and the couple had two children, Cruz and Jesse.
