Jimmy Kimmel Launches Two Fundraisers to Honor his Late Friend and Bandleader Cleto Escobedo III

Late bandleader Cleto Escobedo III, left, is pictured with Jimmy Kimmel at the El Capitan Theater in Hollywood in 2013.

LOS ANGELES — Jimmy has launched two fundraisers to honor Cleto Escobedo III, his late best friend and bandleader of his late night program.

The “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” host posted on his Instagram account Friday that two fundraisers were begun to benefit causes close to Escobedo in order to “celebrate his life and give back.” Escobedo died on Nov. 11 of complications due to a liver transplant.

“Cleto was always kind and eager to help others,” Kimmel wrote in the posting. “As we mourn his loss, we have started two fundraisers to celebrate his life and give back. The first is for UCLA Medical Center where he received such incredible care. Together we can help vulnerable patients and families in need of financial assistance during hard times.”

Escobedo led Cleto and the Cletones which provided the music for Jimmy Kimmel Live! since the show's 2003 premiere. 

Following Escobedo’s passing last Tuesday, Kimmel began that night's episode of his talk show in tears, opening his monologue with a special tribute to his friend and bandleader, calling it the "hardest" one he's ever had to deliver. He also cancelled the following shows on Nov. 12 and Nov. 13, while Cleto Escobedo Sr. performed in the show's band during the taping.