Jimmy Kimmel returns to air with a noticeable change after Cleto Escobedo’s passing

Late-night icon Jimmy Kimmel returns to air with emotional tributes

Jimmy Kimmel returned to his show following a hiatus to grieve his bandleader and lifelong best friend, Cleto Escobedo III. The beloved saxophonist passed away on November 11, 2025, at age 59.​

Kimmel announced Cleto’s death through Instagram, expressing heartbreak over losing his inseparable childhood companion from Las Vegas. Their decades-long friendship shaped both their personal lives and professional television careers throughout the years

The band was renamed to honor Cleto’s legacy and memory

When Jimmy Kimmel Live! returned on November 17, 2025, viewers noticed the house band was now called The Cletones instead of Cleto and the Cletones. This subtle yet powerful tribute ensures Cleto’s spirit remains central nightly.​

Announcer Lou Wilson introduced the band using their new name during the Monday broadcast opening. This permanent change demonstrates how deeply Cleto shaped the show’s foundation and its musicians.

Childhood friends reunited through television and music

Cleto and Jimmy met in Las Vegas in 1977 when Kimmel’s family moved from Brooklyn to their neighborhood. They bonded over baseball, fishing, and their mutual admiration for David Letterman.​

The pair made prank calls, created rap albums together, and slept over at each other’s houses constantly. Their friendship transcended typical childhood bonds, remaining strong through college and their professional careers.

Cleto built a successful career before joining Jimmy Kimmel Live

Before joining Jimmy Kimmel Live!‘s band, Cleto developed into an accomplished saxophonist with a notable resume. He toured with Paula Abdul during her Spellbound album era and collaborated with Marc Anthony and Luis Miguel.​

Cleto recorded with Take Six and Tom Scott, establishing himself within the music industry. His phenomenal saxophone skills made him a highly sought-after performer before his late-night television opportunity.

Jimmy fought hard to make his best friend the show’s bandleader

When Kimmel secured his late-night gig in 2002, he immediately pitched Cleto to ABC executives as his bandleader. Kimmel explained that chemistry mattered more than celebrity status in his hiring decision.​

He arranged an audition at Cafe Cordial restaurant in the Valley where Cleto regularly performed with his group. This strategic approach led to one of television’s most beloved and enduring bandleader-host partnerships.

The audition featured a near-disaster that almost derailed everything

Cleto’s father traveled from Vegas with his saxophone to audition alongside his son for the first time. Minutes before performing, he lost the neck of his saxophone but located it just in time.​

Both delivered an outstanding performance of Pick Up the Pieces by the Average White Band. Executive Lloyd Braun’s immediate enthusiasm resulted in both father and son joining the band on the spot.

Cleto had been noticeably absent from the show for several months

Viewers noticed Cleto’s absence from Jimmy Kimmel Live! for several months as he battled ongoing health complications. The bandleader received extensive medical care during his illness from top specialists and physicians.​

In early November 2025, Thursday’s episode was abruptly canceled, signaling something serious had occurred suddenly. Jimmy remained devoted to his friend’s side during this difficult period, ensuring he received excellent care.

Cleto died from cardiogenic shock following health complications

His death certificate listed cardiogenic shock as the official cause, meaning his heart couldn’t pump blood efficiently. Underlying conditions included vasodilatory shock, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver.​

Additional contributing factors included sepsis, graft versus host disease, and chronic kidney disease complications. Cardiogenic shock is considered a life-threatening condition requiring immediate specialized medical care and professional intervention.

Jimmy delivered a 22-minute monologue honoring his departed friend

On November 11, 2025, Jimmy opened his show with an emotional tribute lasting over twenty-two minutes total. Fighting through tears, he called this the most difficult monologue of his nearly twenty-three-year career.​​

He shared intimate memories from childhood, including prank calls and their shared love of David Letterman. Jimmy emphasized how Cleto was always supportive, sending notes expressing pride in his accomplishments.

Jimmy Kimmel Live returned to air after a brief but meaningful hiatus

Following his emotional tribute, Jimmy announced the show would take a couple nights off to grieve. The team returned on Monday, November 17, 2025, with Samuel L. Jackson discussing his role on Paramount’s Tulsa King.​

Ms. Pat appeared to promote Ms. Pat Settles It, while Eric Church performed as musical guest. The return marked an important moment celebrating Cleto’s enduring legacy and memory.

Jimmy launched fundraisers to honor Cleto’s legacy and compassion

Recognizing Cleto’s generous nature, Jimmy established two fundraisers in his memory to continue his charitable spirit. The first benefits UCLA Medical Center, where Cleto received exceptional care during his final days.​

The second supports The Animal Foundation in Las Vegas, reflecting Cleto’s lifelong love of animals. These initiatives capture Cleto’s spirit of giving back and ensure his charitable legacy continues indefinitely.

In other news, see how Kimmel boldly claimed he’s more popular than the president himself.

Cleto’s legacy extends far beyond music into hearts and television history

Cleto leaves behind a legacy of excellence in music, loyalty, and kindness to everyone around him. His contributions to Jimmy Kimmel Live! shaped the show’s DNA for nearly two decades of television.​

Friends describe him as humble, funny, and genuinely grateful, never taking his blessings for granted ever. His memory lives through music, the relationships he built, and the countless lives he touched.

Jimmy Kimmel bounced back with jokes after the revival of his suspended show. See how he poked fun at JD Vance during his big TV return.

Hit like if you’ve been keeping up with Jimmy and drop a comment sharing how you feel about this change after Cleto’s passing.

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.