Cleto Escobedo III, longtime bandleader for Jimmy Kimmel Live!, died on November 11, 2025, at the age of 59. Reports indicate he was suffering from serious health issues in the months leading up to his death, with multiple outlets noting complications related to a recent liver transplant, though no official cause of death was publicly confirmed by his family or the show at the time of announcements. Jimmy Kimmel publicly mourned his loss, describing Cleto as a cherished friend, father, son, and musician, and announced that he would take time off to grieve. Key details you might want to know:

• Identity and role: Cleto Escobedo III led Cleto and the Cletones, the house band for Jimmy Kimmel Live!, since the show's inception in 2003.

• Date and age: Born August 23, 1966; died November 11, 2025, at 59.

• Public statements: Jimmy Kimmel publicly announced the death and expressed profound sadness, noting privacy for the family and a desire to mourn publicly.

• Reported cause: Media outlets have cited complications from a recent liver transplant as a reported cause, but official confirmation from family or the show was not provided at the time of reporting.

If you’d like, I can pull up the latest official statements from Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and summarize what has been confirmed by family or the network, or look for tributes and memorials from colleagues and fans.