Cleto Escobedo III, Jimmy Kimmel's Friend, Bandleader's Cause Of Death At 59 Was Health Troubles?

Cleto Escobedo III, the longtime bandleader for the Jimmy Kimmel Live! show, died on November 11, 2025, at the age of 59. His death was announced by the television show host, Jimmy Kimmel, who was also his childhood friend and long-term collaborator. Cleto led the show's house band, Cleto and the Cletones, since the program's inception in 2003. Jimmy was 'heartbroken' at his untimely death and shared that his family needed privacy and prayers during this tough time. Media reports suggest that Cleto faced serious health troubles before his passing.

Cleto Escobedo III's cause of death

Jimmy Kimmel shared the heartbreaking news of Cleto Escobedo III's death through an emotional post on Instagram. The former mourned the loss of a 'great friend, father, son, musician'. Jimmy recalled his enduring bond with Cleto, which had been inseparable since he was nine. Working together was a dream for both Jimmy and Cleto, and the former was glad they could make it happen. While he did not mention Cleto's cause of death in the tribute post, a Page Six report claimed that the musician had complications stemming from a liver transplant. Jimmy's poignant post for Cleto read:

"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."

Jimmy Kimmel advised everybody to cherish their friends as his childhood friend passed away. He might have been aware of Cleto's condition and been by his side in the last few days of his life. According to Page Six, he cancelled the scheduled November 6, 2025, episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! at the last minute to be by Cleto's side as he battled his liver condition in the hospital. At that time, it was announced that the episode would not air due to a 'personal matter' involving the host. No further details about the nature of the personal matter were provided by the network or by Jimmy Kimmel's team.

Who was Cleto Escobedo III?

Cleto Escobedo III was an American musician and bandleader, best known as the leader of the in-house band, Cleto and the Cletones, on the ABC late-night talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live!. The talented saxophonist and musical director had a successful career before joining Jimmy Kimmel Live! He toured with renowned artists such as Paula Abdul, Marc Anthony, and Phillip Bailey of Earth, Wind & Fire. Music ran in Cleto's family. His father, Cleto Escobedo Jr., was also a saxophonist who performed with him as part of the Cletones on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Cleto Escobedo III was married to Lori, and the couple had two children, according to AccessWDun. Other than Cleto's wife's name, no other information is available regarding her or their kids. They have largely stayed away from the limelight and want privacy as their beloved head of household, Cleto, passed away. The news of his death was shared by his lifelong friend, Jimmy Kimmel, on November 11, 2025.

We share our heartfelt condolences with Cleto Escobedo III's family and friends, and hope they find the strength to cope with the grief of his passing.

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