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Jimmy Kimmel Mourns Loss of Friend and Musician Cleto Escobedo III

11/12/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Jimmy Kimmel, host of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, announced the death of his longtime friend Cleto Escobedo III on November 11, 2025.
Escobedo, 59, had been absent from the show due to illness.
Kimmel posted on Instagram recalling their childhood friendship in Las Vegas and pranks.
Escobedo was a professional musician who toured with Earth, Wind & Fire and Paula Abdul.
The cause of death has not been disclosed.

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Story summary

Jimmy Kimmel, host of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, announced the death of his longtime friend Cleto Escobedo III on November 11, 2025.
Escobedo, 59, had been absent from the show due to illness.
Kimmel posted on Instagram recalling their childhood friendship in Las Vegas and pranks.
Escobedo was a professional musician who toured with Earth, Wind & Fire and Paula Abdul.
The cause of death has not been disclosed.