Cleto Escobedo III, Jimmy Kimmel’s Son’s Godfather Dies At 59, Know Their Familys’ Close Ties

Cleto Escobedo III, the childhood friend of Jimmy Kimmel, died on November 11, 2025, at the age of 59. He was the frontman for talk show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!‘s in-house band, Cleto and the Cletones. Jimmy Kimmel announced the sudden passing of the band’s leader on social media with a heavy heart. Following that, he also paid a heartfelt tribute to his late friend and long-term collaborator with a poignant monologue in the latest episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! As the Escobedo family mourns Cleto’s loss, here’s a look back at their enduring bond with the Kimmel family.

Cleto Escobedo III was the godfather of Jimmy Kimmel’s son, Kevin

Cleto Escobedo III and Jimmy Kimmel grew up together. Their families were very close, with occasional meetups at each other’s houses. Jimmy had been an integral part in helping Cleto fulfil his dream of starting his own band, while the latter served as Jimmy’s son, Kevin’s godfather, as reported by The Daily Mail. During the November 12, 2025, episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the host broke down in tears as he recalled the 23 years he worked with Cleto in the show. Jimmy gave an emotional speech for the late musician, calling it the ‘hardest’ monologue. The monologue was heard as:

“Late last night, early this morning, we lost someone very special who was much too young to go, and I’d like to tell you about him, if you don’t mind. I mean, everyone loves Cleto. Everyone here at the show. We are devastated by this. It’s just not fair. He was the nicest, most humble, kind and always funny person.”

Jimmy Kimmel’s enduring bond with Cleto Escobedo III

Cleto Escobedo III and Jimmy Kimmel shared a lifelong, ‘inseparable’ bond that began in childhood and evolved into a close professional collaboration on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Jimmy often described Cleto as being like an older brother to him. They met in January 1977 when Jimmy’s family moved into the house across the street from Cleto in Las Vegas. According to several reports, Jimmy Kimmel and his wife were present at the hospital during Cleto’s final days, indicating the two families’ close ties. Although the official cause of his death has not been revealed, a Page Six report claimed that Cleto died after suffering from the aftermath of a liver transplant.

Cleto and the Cletones came into existence due to Jimmy Kimmel’s lobbying

When Jimmy Kimmel was offered his late-night show on ABC in 2003, the first name he had in mind for the show’s live band was that of Cleto Escobedo III. The talk show thought Cleto was the best person to oversee his show’s music department. Jimmy lobbied for his friend, telling the network executives he had the best chemistry with Cleto and that ‘it had to be him’ and nobody else. The bond extended to their families. Escobedo’s father, also a talented saxophonist, joined the house band, making it a unique family affair that brought joy to both men. Jimmy and Cleto’s bond extended to their families.

Cleto’s father, Cleto Escobedo Sr., a talented saxophonist, also joined Cleto and the Cletones, making it a unique family affair. Notably, it was Jimmy himself who suggested that Cleto include his father in the band. Jimmy entrusted Cleto with forming Cleto and the Cletones and asked the latter who all he had in mind. Cleto answered that he was considering his usual boys to join in. Jimmy was already familiar with Cleto’s boys, having watched their practice sessions since childhood, and they were all friends. At that time, the idea of Jimmy’s father being a good fit for the band occurred to him. Now, with Cleto’s demise, Jimmy holds on to their decades-long friendship and memories.

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.

Also Read: Cleto Escobedo III, Jimmy Kimmel’s Friend, Bandleader’s Cause Of Death At 59 Was Health Troubles?