Jimmy Kimmel Announces Death of Longtime Bandleader: 'We Are Heartbroken'

Cleto Escobedo III, the longtime leader of Cleto and the Cletones, the house band on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, has passed away.

Escobedo died Tuesday morning, Kimmel announced on social media. He was 59; no cause of death has been provided.

"Early this morning, we lost a great friend, father, son, musician and man, my longtime bandleader Cleto Escobedo III," Kimmel 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. Cherish your friends and please keep Cleto’s wife, children and parents in your prayers."

Kimmel, Escobedo much more than colleagues

While Escobedo served as the front man for Cleto and the Cletones on Jimmy Kimmel Live! since the show's 2003 premier, the two have knew each other for decades before that.

According to a 2015 interview with ABC News, Kimmel met Escobedo when he moved to Las Vegas at the age of 9. They became fast friends, living near each other and playing alongside each other in the school band.

"He was a child prodigy," Kimmel said. "Like the whole school would gather to watch. He'd get standing ovations. It was a crazy thing."

Cleto and the Cletones was also a family affair. Escobedo's dad, Cleto Escobado Sr., is also a member of the band, playing tenor and alto sax.

Tributes pour in for Cleto, condolences for Kimmel

Kimmel's post announcing Escobedo's death was quickly inundated with comments, many of them from fellow members of the entertainment industry.

The words were a mix of love and grief, with some offering memories of Escobedo and others sending condolences to his family and Kimmel.

"Love you Love to his incredible family," wrote comedian Jeff Ross.

"So sorry to hear this Jimmy. He was AWESOME. Love to his family," added actor Eric Stonestreet.

"Love to u, cleto and his whole family," chimed in actor and stunt performer Johnny Knoxville.

"Truly one of the kindest, gentlest and most genuine human beings I’ve ever known and I’m so thankful to have been lucky enough to call him a friend," wrote mixer/engineer Eric Racy. "He brought joy and laughter to so many people. We love you, Cleto!"

"I’m so sorry Jimmy," said actor John Stamos.

Escobedo's death comes days after Kimmel postponed his Thursday, Nov. 6 episode due to a reported "personal matter involving the host."