Cleto Escobedo III, the longtime friend of US late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel and leader of his show’s house band, Cleto and the Cletones, has passed away at 59.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Kimmel shared the sad news and reminisced about their journey from childhood friends to colleagues on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
“To say we are heartbroken is an understatement. Cleto and I have been inseparable since I was nine. Working together every day was a dream we couldn’t have imagined,” Kimmel wrote on Instagram.
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Kimmel urged everyone to treasure their friends as he did with Cleto, asking for prayers for his family.
Fans expressed their condolences in the comments, highlighting the deep bond between the two friends.
On Tuesday’s episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Kimmel tearfully paid tribute to his late friend.
Cleto Escobedo III
“We’ve aired for nearly 23 years, and I’ve delivered some tough monologues, but this is the hardest. Late last night, early this morning, we lost someone very special and far too young. Everyone loves Cleto… everyone at the show. We are devastated. It’s not fair,” Kimmel said.
He also announced the cancellation of a few upcoming episodes in light of Cleto’s passing.
According to People, Kimmel and Escobedo III’s friendship blossomed after joining forces for Jimmy Kimmel Live!
They had been together since the show’s inception in 2003.
