Jimmy Kimmel’s longtime friend and bandleader Cleto Escobedo III sadly passed away in November 2025 at the age of 59, following complications related to a liver transplant. Kimmel has spoken very emotionally about the loss on his show and on social media, calling Cleto a beloved friend, father, son, and musician.

Who Cleto Was to Jimmy

Cleto Escobedo III was more than just the bandleader of Jimmy Kimmel Live! —he was Kimmel’s childhood best friend, and they had known each other since the late 1970s. When Kimmel launched his ABC late‑night show, he brought Cleto in to lead the house band, Cleto and the Cletones, turning their decades-long friendship into a daily working partnership.

What Happened to Him

Reports in late 2025 stated that Cleto died after complications from a liver transplant, which he had undergone due to illness. He passed away in the early hours of a Tuesday morning, and Kimmel announced his death publicly that same day.

How Jimmy Kimmel Responded

Kimmel dedicated an emotional, roughly 20‑minute monologue on Jimmy Kimmel Live! to remembering Cleto, sharing stories from their childhood and years working together. He described the tribute as the hardest monologue he has ever had to deliver and urged viewers to cherish their friends, noting that the show would take a short break afterward.

Changes on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

After Cleto’s death, Jimmy Kimmel Live! briefly postponed tapings while Kimmel and the team grieved. When the show returned, outlets noted subtle changes to the band setup and the show’s presentation to reflect Cleto’s absence, while still honoring his memory.

Forum Buzz and “Latest News”

Online forums and entertainment news sites have continued to discuss Cleto’s passing, focusing on his reputation as a warm, talented musician and loyal friend, as well as on the impact his loss had on the show’s tone. As of early 2026, the “latest news” around what happened to Jimmy Kimmel’s friend Cleto mainly centers on tributes, memorial coverage, and reflections on his legacy rather than any new developments.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.