Cleto Escobedo Died After Decades of Working With Jimmy Kimmel

Late night shows on television are meant for people to have a good time after a long day. Cleto Escobedo III made sure to give his best effort every time he was on the screen next to Jimmy Kimmel, building on the friendship the two men shared over the years.

What happened to Cleto? Here's what we know about the context of the musician's death. After decades of creating memories with his trusted friend, Jimmy will move on without one of the people who shaped the identity of his acclaimed television program.

According to People, Cleto passed away on November 11. While many television fans remain curious regarding what happened to the musician, an official cause of death wasn't provided to the public. The weight of the tragedy speaks for itself.

The band featured on Jimmy Kimmel Live! sets the stage for the interviews, monologues and unpredictable dynamics that take place in the series. Cleto and his father, Cleto Escobedo, worked together as part of the band for a very long time.

Cleto's legacy in the entertainment industry is secured. Since 2003, the musician worked hard to adapt the show's music into something recognizable, enjoyable, and culturally relevant. As Jimmy Kimmel Live! evolved as a program, the Cletones' work had to grow alongside it.

Taking into account how the crew worked together for decades, it's easy to understand Cleto's death forced a taping of Jimmy Kimmel Live! to be postponed.

As one of the few late night programs that remain alive, Jimmy Kimmel Live! keeps audiences up to date with what happens in politics, entertainment, and pop culture. Jimmy constantly invites Hollywood actors to promote their upcoming projects as part of his show.

It's hard for anyone to lose a friend. During the first episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! that aired after Cleto's death, Jimmy dedicated his opening monologue to his beloved friend. The speech prepared by the host was emotional.

Jimmy is aware of how Cletus's influence was a part of his success. The television star recalled stories he shared with the musician back when they were kids, including the time in which Cleto "mooned" from his mother's car.

The late night host continues to grieve the loss of Cleto. In an Instagram tribute dedicated to his friend, Jimmy wrote: "To say that we are heartbroken is an understatement. Cleto and I have been inseparable since I was nine years old. The fact that we got to work together every day is a dream neither of us could ever have imagined would come true."

At the time of his passing, Cleto was only 59 years old.

Jimmy Kimmel Live! will continue to deliver the humor that turned it into one of the biggest programs in the industry, while always acknowledging Cleto's talent in the form of his band's presence.

Jimmy remains as the host of his series, after controversy that took place following the death of Charlie Kirk threatened to take him off the air.