Kleto Escobedo III, the leader of Jimmy Kimmel’s orchestra, has passed away
12 november 2025 в 21:28
Jimmy Kimmel, host of the late-night show, and his friend, the leader of the house band Cleto Escobedo III, left behind a family. The saxophonist, whom Kimmel described as a «miracle» since childhood, passed away at the age of 59 on November 11, 2025, and the host delivered an emotional monologue in honor of Escobedo, his parents, wife, and children.
Sending his thoughts to the Escobedo family, Kimmel said he hopes to «remind» the musician’s children, as they grow up, how much [Escobedo] loved them, because it was «a lot».
Below, learn about Escobedo’s wife and their family.
Kimmel did not explain what happened to Escobedo. However, according to Page Six, Escobedo experienced complications after a liver transplant.
Furthermore, Kimmel thanked the doctors and nurses at UCLA Health for their «incredibly good care» of Escobedo during «these horrible few months».
«We are all shattered by this here on the show», - — said Jimmy on his show. «It's just unfair. He was the kindest, most humble, good and always cheerful person».
Yes, Escobedo was married to his wife, Lori Escobedo. The couple kept most details of their life secret, so it is unknown how long they were together before his death.
Yes, as mentioned earlier, Cleto and Lori were raising two children together. The spouses kept their children’s lives away from the public eye.
At the time of publication, the cause of Escobedo’s death had not been disclosed. In an Instagram announcement posted by Kimmel, the comedian expressed how «shattered» everyone on his show was because of the loss.
«This morning we lost a great friend, father, son, musician, and man, my longtime band leader Cleto Escobedo III. To say we are shattered is an understatement», - — wrote the comedian in the caption of a photo of Escobedo on stage. «Cleto and I have been inseparable since I was 9 years old. The fact that we could work together every day is a dream neither of us could have imagined coming true. Cherish your friends and please pray for Cleto’s wife, children, and parents»
Sending his thoughts to the Escobedo family, Kimmel said he hopes to «remind» the musician’s children, as they grow up, how much [Escobedo] loved them, because it was «a lot».
Below, learn about Escobedo’s wife and their family.
Kimmel did not explain what happened to Escobedo. However, according to Page Six, Escobedo experienced complications after a liver transplant.
Furthermore, Kimmel thanked the doctors and nurses at UCLA Health for their «incredibly good care» of Escobedo during «these horrible few months».
«We are all shattered by this here on the show», - — said Jimmy on his show. «It's just unfair. He was the kindest, most humble, good and always cheerful person».
Yes, Escobedo was married to his wife, Lori Escobedo. The couple kept most details of their life secret, so it is unknown how long they were together before his death.
Yes, as mentioned earlier, Cleto and Lori were raising two children together. The spouses kept their children’s lives away from the public eye.
At the time of publication, the cause of Escobedo’s death had not been disclosed. In an Instagram announcement posted by Kimmel, the comedian expressed how «shattered» everyone on his show was because of the loss.
«This morning we lost a great friend, father, son, musician, and man, my longtime band leader Cleto Escobedo III. To say we are shattered is an understatement», - — wrote the comedian in the caption of a photo of Escobedo on stage. «Cleto and I have been inseparable since I was 9 years old. The fact that we could work together every day is a dream neither of us could have imagined coming true. Cherish your friends and please pray for Cleto’s wife, children, and parents»
© Artemenko Olga
