Cleto Escobedo III, Band Leader of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live', Passes Away... Jimmy Kimmel Mourns, "I Lost My Best Friend"

Cleto Escobedo III, the house band leader of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' and lifelong friend of host Jimmy Kimmel, passed away at the age of 59 on November 11.

Kimmel shared the news on social media on the 12th, expressing his deep sorrow, stating, "I lost my best friend, a father, a son, a musician, and a human being".

Leading 'Kimmel Show' Music for 22 Years

Escobedo served as the music director of the program for over 22 years, leading 'Cleto and the Cletones' since 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' began in 2003. His father also performed as a member of the band, allowing the father-son duo to share the stage.

In a tribute, Kimmel reminisced, "Cleto and I have been inseparable since I was 9 years old", adding, "The fact that we were able to work together every day was a dream come true that neither of us could have imagined".

Struggled with Complications After Liver Transplant

According to a report by TMZ, Escobedo had been facing health issues due to complications from a liver transplant. Kimmel canceled the broadcast on November 6 to be by Escobedo's side, and 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' will be on hiatus for the remainder of the week to honor him. Escobedo is survived by his wife and two children.