Jimmy Kimmel Addresses Cleto Escobedo’s Health Battle Before His Death

Jimmy Kimmel is providing more insight into the passing of his dear friend.

Just days after Cleto Escobedo III passed away at 59, Jimmy Kimmel revealed that his longtime band leader had been receiving medical care before his death.

Jimmy didn’t share details about his childhood friend Cleto’s medical treatment, but he mentioned he’s shown his appreciation to the doctors and staff providing Cleto’s care in Los Angeles.

The comedian shared on Instagram November 14th that everyone is heartbroken by the loss of Cleto, who was known for his kindness and willingness to help others. To honor his memory, two fundraisers have been started. One benefits the UCLA Medical Center, where he received excellent care, and will provide financial support to patients and families facing difficult times. They hope to give back in a way that reflects Cleto’s generous spirit.

He finished by saying he’ll be donating to The Animal Foundation in Las Vegas, both in his name and that of his dog, Cleto, as a way to celebrate his passion for animals.

Jimmy has previously shared his feelings about Cleto’s death, but the details surrounding how Cleto died are still unknown.

After the musician’s death on November 11th, the TV personality posted a touching tribute. He remembered the band leader of Jimmy Kimmel Live!—a role he held since the show began in 2003—as a wonderful friend, father, son, and talented musician.

You know, Cleto and I have been best friends since I was just a kid – practically nine years old! It’s been incredible, honestly. We always dreamed of working together, and to actually get to do that every single day? It felt like a dream come true, something neither of us ever thought possible.

The 57-year-old also asked everyone to value their friendships and remember to pray for Cleto’s family – his wife, children, and parents.

During his show on November 11th, Jimmy shared heartfelt memories of his long friendship with someone, delivering a moving and personal story.

“We had so many adventures. We would laugh so hard,” Jimmy said through tears at the time. “We had our own language that almost no one else understood. We didn’t even have to say anything. We would sit here in rehearsal every day. We didn’t have to look at each other.”

To see how more stars honored Cleto’s life and legacy, keep reading.

Jimmy Kimmel announced on Instagram November 11th that his longtime bandleader, Cleto Escobedo III, had passed away. Kimmel described the loss as devastating, saying they were all heartbroken.

The talk show host added that he and Cleto “have been inseparable since I was nine years old.”

Jimmy went on to say how incredible it was that they had the chance to work together daily, something they’d both only dreamed of. He urged everyone to value their friendships and asked for continued support and prayers for Cleto’s family – his wife, children, and parents.

The artist behind “Glamorous Life” shared the sad news of Cleto Escobedo’s passing on Instagram on November 11th. They first met Cleto in 1994 and produced a track for his album the following year. They often joked about being family and even tried to investigate a possible connection.

She wrote that he had “been a true brother and an amazing musician and artist.”

She expressed her deep sadness, saying she was completely heartbroken. She sent her condolences and prayers to Jimmy Kimmel’s wife, children, family, and friends, adding that he would be greatly missed and that she loved him. She wished him peace.

The singer of “Straight Up” posted a heartfelt message on Instagram on November 11th, expressing sadness over the loss of Cleto Escobedo III.

Paula remembered first hearing Cleto play saxophone at a small bar in Las Vegas’s Caesars Palace. She was building her band for her first world tour and instantly knew she wanted to hire him, even though he hadn’t toured before.

She enthusiastically praised Cleto’s obvious talent and energy, expressing her excitement that he’s enjoying a fantastic career. She was especially happy to see him working with his close friend Jimmy Kimmel as the bandleader on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

She described Cleto as a truly kind and genuine person, both when he was performing and in his everyday life. She also expressed her deepest sympathy to his family and all those who cared for him.

Actor Zach Cherry announced the passing of Cleto Escobedo III on Instagram on November 11th, describing him as a kind and talented person who will be deeply missed. Cherry sent his condolences to Escobedo’s family and colleagues at Jimmy Kimmel Live.