Post by : Meena Ariff

During the episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! aired on November 11, Jimmy Kimmel was visibly emotional as he paid tribute to his close friend and bandleader, Cleto Escobedo II. Cleto, who led the house band, Cleto and the Cletones, since the show began in 2003, sadly passed away earlier that same day due to complications from a liver transplant.

“This is the most challenging monologue I’ve ever delivered,” Kimmel said, his voice filled with emotion. “We have been on the air for nearly 23 years, and I’ve faced difficult monologues before, but this one is the hardest.”

The late-night host conveyed the deep sorrow felt by the entire team, stating everyone was “devastated” by Escobedo’s untimely passing. “It’s just not right,” he expressed.

As reported by People, Kimmel and Escobedo’s friendship spans back to their childhood. They grew up together, and their link deepened as they worked alongside each other on Jimmy Kimmel Live! for over twenty years.

Previously, Kimmel had shared a touching message on Instagram mourning the loss of his friend. “To say that we are heartbroken is putting it mildly,” he wrote. “Cleto was not only a great friend but also a devoted father, son, musician, and exceptional human being. Since I was nine years old, we have been inseparable. The fact that we had the opportunity to work together daily is something neither of us ever expected to become a reality.”

Escobedo’s humor, warmth, and musical abilities had woven him into the fabric of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, endearing him to both the crew and the audience over the years.

#Global News #Entertainment News