Jimmy Kimmel Takes Week Off Following Death of Bandleader Cleto Escobedo III

Jimmy Kimmel, the host of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!,' has announced that he will take the rest of the week off from his show following the death of his best friend and the show’s bandleader, Cleto Escobedo III. The announcement came during Tuesday’s episode, where Kimmel shared his grief and expressed the need for personal time to process the loss. Escobedo, who had been a constant presence on the show for years, was known for his energetic performances and collaborative spirit with Kimmel.

The news of Escobedo’s passing has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, with colleagues and fans expressing their sorrow. His sudden death has raised questions about the impact of long-term stress and health issues on musicians. Kimmel, who has been a close friend to Escobedo for many years, stated that the loss feels like a part of his own life has been taken away. The show’s producers have offered their condolences and have planned to honor Escobedo’s memory in upcoming episodes.