Overview
- Kimmel announced Escobedo’s death early Tuesday in an Instagram post and then delivered a tearful monologue on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
- The host said the ABC late-night show will pause for several nights, with episodes on November 12 and 13 canceled.
- Multiple outlets cite Page Six in reporting that Escobedo experienced complications following a liver transplant, a detail not officially confirmed.
- Escobedo was Kimmel’s childhood friend from Las Vegas and had led the show’s house band, Cleto and the Cletones, since its 2003 debut.
- The acclaimed saxophonist performed with artists including Paula Abdul, Marc Anthony and members of Earth, Wind & Fire, and he is survived by his wife Lori, their children Cruz and Jesse, and his parents, who appeared during the broadcast tribute.