Revealing the Truth Behind Cleto Escobedo’s Death: What Really Happened

The entertainment world is reeling from a tragic loss. Cleto Escobedo III, the talented bandleader of Jimmy Kimmel Live! and one of the host’s dearest childhood friends, passed away on Tuesday morning, November 11, 2025, at the age of 59. While the Escobedo family has not yet released an official cause of death, early reports hint at complications following a recent organ transplant surgery. The hole Cleto leaves in late-night television is massive; he was the immense talent who truly made the show feel like a cosy, musical home every night.

What Led to Cleto Escobedo’s Tragic Passing?

Though Cleto’s family is keeping details private, several news outlets have mentioned post-surgery issues. Page Six reported that Escobedo had been struggling with serious health issues that required an organ transplant. Sources close to the Daily Mail suggest that more specific details concerning his medical journey might be released soon.

Cleto’s health struggles had kept him off the late-night stage for a while. The situation escalated when Jimmy Kimmel abruptly cancelled the November 6th episode, citing “personal reasons.” It was a heartbreaking moment when Kimmel, along with his wife Molly McNearney, was seen at a Los Angeles hospital supporting Cleto’s parents.

The sorrowful news of his passing was hinted at shortly before the official announcement. Mykel Crumbie shared a photo on social media suggesting Cleto was in a coma. The following morning, a tearful Kimmel announced, “Early this morning, we lost a dear friend,” implying Cleto passed away peacefully with his loved ones by his side.

The Unforgettable Musical Legacy of Cleto Escobedo

Born on August 23, 1966, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Cleto was practically born into music. He inherited his immense talent from his father, the accomplished saxophonist Cleto Escobedo Jr. Cleto Escobedo III founded his own group, Cleto and The Cletones, in 1995, where he shone as the saxophonist and frontman.

His career shot forward after he was discovered by pop icon Paula Abdul while performing at Caesar’s Palace. This led to touring stints with music legends like Marc Anthony and Philip Bailey.

When Jimmy Kimmel Live! Launched in 2003, Kimmel didn’t hesitate to choose his lifelong friend as the house bandleader personally. Cleto once shared his gratitude with ABC7, saying, “Jimmy could have found someone more experienced, but he trusted me — that meant everything.” This trust forged a powerful, 22-year on-air partnership.

A Friendship Built on Laughter and Loyalty

Cleto and Jimmy’s legendary bond goes all the way back to 1977. They first met as kids living near each other in Las Vegas. “We met once on San Francisco Street — since then, we’ve been like brothers,” Cleto once recalled.

Kimmel often joked about their bond, lovingly describing it as “built on the kind of torture only an older brother can give.” He fondly recounted how Cleto, who owned an electric bike with a sidecar, would intentionally crash him into bushes or garbage bins just for fun.

Their long history was clear when Kimmel celebrated Cleto’s 50th birthday on air in 2016, sharing sentimental childhood photos from their Vegas days. An emotional Kimmel said, “We’ve been friends since I was nine. That’s nearly five decades of friendship.”

Tributes Flood Social Media for a Late-Night Legend

The outpouring of love from the celebrity and music world has been immense.

• Paula Abdul posted a deeply heartfelt message on Instagram: “My heart is heavy. Cleto joined me on my first world tour — his talent and warmth lit up every stage.”
• Sheila E. wrote, “I’m heartbroken and out of words. You won’t be forgotten, my friend. I love you.” (She had collaborated with Cleto on his 1995 album Eponymous.)

Music industry giants and comedians, including Eric Alper, Wanda Sykes, Howie Mandel, and Jeffrey Ross, also shared their condolences online. Modern Family actor Eric Stonestreet posted three red hearts, symbolising love and loss.

Cleto’s Final Days and Family

The sadness is palpable in Hollywood. Fans have begun leaving flowers and writing messages outside the El Capitan Entertainment Centre, the home of Jimmy Kimmel Live! “Cleto wasn’t just part of the show,” one fan noted. “He was part of our nights.”

Cleto is survived by his wife, Lori, and their two children. During Tuesday’s emotional monologue, Kimmel couldn’t hold back his tears, urging viewers to keep Cleto’s family in their thoughts.

ABC has announced plans to air a special tribute episode soon. Funeral services are expected to take place in both Los Angeles and Las Vegas in the coming days.

Cleto Escobedo’s passing is much more than the loss of an incredible musician; it marks the end of an era in late-night TV. His 22-year run with Jimmy Kimmel was a powerful testament to how friendship, loyalty, and fantastic music can genuinely connect millions. Their bond was truly rare, genuine, and unforgettable.

Cleto Escobedo III will always be remembered—not only for his talent but for the sheer joy he brought to every single night of Jimmy Kimmel Live! Stay tuned with Showsbuzzz for more heartfelt celebrity tributes, breaking entertainment news, and inspiring Hollywood stories.