Kimmel Honors Late Friend Cleto Escobedo III

Jimmy Kimmel had to do the hardest monologue of his life, breaking down on

air while honoring his best friend of 47 years. His bandleader, Cleto Escobedo III,

passed away at just 59, and Kimmel’s tribute was absolutely heartbreaking. They were inseparable

since they were kids growing up across the street from each other in Vegas.

Kimmel tearfully shared stories of their childhood, from making prank calls to giving

each other concussions while boxing. When Kimmel got his show, he was terrified

to pitch his best friend as the bandleader, but he did it anyway, bringing Cleto and his dad on board.

For nearly 23 years, they worked side-by-side every single day. They had their own secret language