Overview
- Jimmy Kimmel disclosed Escobedo’s death on Instagram on Tuesday, calling them inseparable since he was nine.
- Variety reports Escobedo’s condition prompted the abrupt Nov. 6 cancellation of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, which has since returned to new episodes.
- Kimmel honored his friend on Tuesday night’s broadcast with a tearful monologue recalling their decades-long bond.
- Escobedo led Cleto and the Cletones on the ABC show since its 2003 debut and performed alongside his father, Cleto Escobedo Jr.
- The veteran saxophonist toured with artists including Paula Abdul and Earth, Wind & Fire’s Philip Bailey; he is survived by his wife, Lori, and their two children.