Jimmy Kimmel’s Sister Jill Shares Emotional Tribute to Cleto Escobedo

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Cleto Escobedo III’s loved ones are celebrating his life.

Following the news of Cleto Boccato’s death on November 11th at age 59, Jimmy Kimmel’s sister, Jill Kimmel, shared a touching tribute to the longtime bandleader for Jimmy Kimmel Live!, recounting their childhood friendship.

Jill shared a heartfelt message on Instagram on November 16th, expressing her continued love for Cleto, even though he has passed away. She posted photos of him accompanied by Michael McDonald’s song ‘I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near)’ and wrote that she often forgets he’s gone, but will always cherish the beautiful life they shared. She ended with a message of peace, calling him ‘my brother’.

Musician Sheila E. paid tribute to Cleto online, posting photos and videos from his memorial service. These included footage of Jimmy speaking and Michael performing, with images of the late musician displayed on a screen.

The singer shared on Instagram on November 16th that a beautiful celebration of life was held for Cleto, bringing together his family and friends. She wrote that it truly showed the kind of person he was and how much he loved those around him. She added that everyone continues to keep his family in their thoughts and prayers, and that he will be deeply missed.

Jimmy announced the death of his dog, Cleto, on November 11th, just days after having to suddenly stop a TV show taping. A death certificate later confirmed to TMZ on November 14th revealed Cleto died from cardiogenic shock, a condition where the heart can’t pump enough blood.

Shortly after announcing Cleto’s passing, Jimmy shared heartfelt memories of their lifelong friendship, recalling how they’d grown up together in Las Vegas.

Jimmy, visibly upset, shared the group’s sadness on the November 11th broadcast, saying, “This is just heartbreaking. He was such a genuinely kind, funny, and humble person.”

I want to express my gratitude to Cleto’s parents, Cleto and Sylvia, for raising such a wonderful son and for sharing him with all of us. They’ve always treated me like family, and I’m so thankful for that. Please value your friendships, as life is fleeting. Thank you for allowing me this moment. We’re taking a couple of nights off, but I wanted to be here tonight to share with you about my friend.

After taking a few days off to grieve for Cleto, Jimmy Kimmel shared that they’re donating to The Animal Foundation in Las Vegas – both his and Cleto’s hometown – to celebrate Cleto’s love for animals and keep his memory alive.

For more celebrity reactions to Cleto’s death, keep reading…

I was so incredibly saddened to hear about the passing of Cleto Escobedo III this morning. He was more than just my bandleader for many years; he was a wonderful friend, a devoted father and son, and a truly gifted musician. Honestly, our whole team is absolutely heartbroken. It’s a loss that’s hard to put into words.

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 once thought impossible. He urged everyone to value their friendships and asked for continued support and prayers for Cleto’s family – his wife, children, and parents.

I’m absolutely heartbroken. We lost Cleto Escobedo, and it feels like losing family. I first met him way back in ’94, and I was so lucky to produce a track for his album in ’95. We always had this running joke that we were related, seriously! We actually tried to look into our family histories to see if it was true. It’s just…so sad.

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

She expressed immense grief, saying she was completely devastated. She sent her condolences and prayers to Jimmy Kimmel’s wife, children, family, and friends, and shared that he would be deeply missed, adding a final message of love and wishing 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’ Caesars Palace. She was building her band for her first world tour and immediately knew she wanted to hire him, despite his lack of touring experience at the time.

She enthusiastically praised Cleto’s skill and vibrant personality, expressing excitement that he’s found success and is now working with his close friend Jimmy Kimmel as the bandleader on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

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

Actor Zach Cherry shared the news of Cleto Escobedo III’s passing on Instagram 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.

The Modern Family actor responded to Jimmy’s post with condolences, saying, “So sorry to hear this. He was amazing, and sending love to his family.”

The former star of Reboot posted three red hearts on Jimmy’s memorial, and wrote, “Sending love to you, Cleto, and your entire family.”

“Heartbreaking,” the comedian posted. “So, very sorry.”

The comedian commented, “Love you Love to his incredible family.”

The Seinfeld star shared her condolences on Jimmy’s remembrance, writing, “Oh no. I’m so so sorry.”

“So sorry man,” the Studio star added on Jimmy’s post. “Love you Cleto.”

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2025-11-17 23:17