Jimmy Kimmel reveals special way he is honoring…
Jimmy Kimmel is still mourning his close good friend and “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” band chief Cleto Escobedo.
The grieving late-night host not too long ago took to social media to announce the launch of two fundraisers on Escobedo’s behalf following his surprising death earlier this week at the age of 59.
“Cleto was always kind and eager to help others,” the comic, 58, wrote on Instagram on Friday. “As we mourn his loss, we have started two fundraisers to celebrate his life and give back.”
Kimmel went on to reveal that he and Escobedo’s family members are raising money for UCLA Medical Center and The Animal Foundation in the late band chief’s honor.
“The first is for UCLA Medical Center where he received such incredible care,” the late-night host continued alongside two photographs of Escobedo. “Together we are able to help susceptible sufferers and households in need of financial help during laborious occasions.“
“And to honor his love of animals, The Animal Foundation in our hometown of Las Vegas,” Kimmel concluded his message. “Links to give are in my bio. Thank you so much.”
Cleto Escobedo handed away at the age of 59 on Nov. 11, 2025. MediaPunch / BACKGRID
Jimmy Kimmel shared this photograph of him and Cleto Escobedo alongside his Instagram announcement post. Instagram/@jimmykimmel
After clicking on the hyperlinks included in Kimmel’s Instagram bio, customers are taken to fundraising pages devoted to donating in Escobedo’s reminiscence.
Each web page also included a touching message about the late musician’s life and how the money collected in his honor will probably be utilized.
“In memory of our friend Cleto, we’d like to thank all the hardworking specialists, doctors, and nurses at UCLA,” read Escobedo’s web page on the UCLA Medical Center web site. “They worked tirelessly and generously to give him the best care.”
Escobedo and Kimmel first met when the comic’s household moved from Brooklyn to Las Vegas in 1977. Jimmy Kimmel Live
Escobedo and his band, “Cleto and the Cletones,” dealt with the music on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” since the ABC discuss show premiered back in 2003. Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images
“Cleto was always kind and eager to help others. To honor his generous spirit, we’d like to help vulnerable patients and families in need of financial assistance during hard times,” it added. “Let’s help others in Cleto’s name.”
The other fundraiser, meanwhile, highlighted Escobedo’s love of animals.
“Cleto was a compassionate animal lover,” that web page read. “He loved each of his rescue dogs like they were family. Please consider making a donation to The Animal Foundation in his hometown of Las Vegas.”
Escobedo and Cleto and the Cletones performing at the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City, California, on April 2, 2011. WireImage
Escobedo’s band during a live performance at the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City, California, on April 2, 2011. WireImage
“Cleto would have loved his friends and family helping to provide safety, healing and homes for pets in need,” it concluded.
Escobedo, alongside his band “Cleto and the Cletones,” dealt with the music on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” since the ABC discuss show premiered back in 2003.
He and Kimmel first met when the comic’s household moved from Brooklyn to Las Vegas in 1977.
Escobedo and Kimmel shortly after assembly in Las Vegas in 1977. Jimmy Kimmel Live
Jimmy Kimmel and Cleto Escobedo during Season 10 of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” in 2011. Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images
But after abruptly canceling the live taping of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 6, due to a “personal matter,” the late-night host took to Instagram to announce that Escobedo had tragically handed away.
“Early this morning, we lost a great friend, father, son, musician and man, my longtime bandleader Cleto Escobedo III,” Kimmel wrote on Tuesday, Nov. 11.
Kimmel announced his longtime good friend and band chief’s devastating passing on Nov. 11, 2025. Jimmy Kimmel Live
Kimmel broke down in tears while paying tribute to Escobedo during his “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” monologue on Nov. 11, 2025. Jimmy Kimmel Live
Kimmel then broke down in tears while paying tribute to his late good friend during Tuesday night time’s “hardest” opening monologue.
“We’ve been on the air for almost 23 years, and I’ve had to do some hard monologues along the way, but this one’s the hardest because late last night, early this morning, we lost someone very special who was much too young,” he said.
Although the trigger of death has not yet been announced, Page Six reported that Escobedo could have suffered problems stemming from a current liver transplant.
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