Childhood friend and bandleader of Jimmy Kimmel Live! Cleto Escabedo III has passed away, aged 59.
Although the cause of death has not been released, Escabedo III had been noticeably missing from recent episodes of the show, following reports that he had fallen ill.
The tragic news comes days after Jimmy Kimmel cancelled his November 6 show last-minute, to be by Escabedo III’s side in hospital.
Jimmy Kimmel and Cleto Escabedo III had been close friends since the latter moved in across the street from Kimmel in 1977. (Getty)
Escabedo III was the frontman of Kimmel’s in-house band, Cleto and the Cletones, since the long-running show first aired in 2003.
When Kimmel first landed the late show spot, he advocated relentlessly for Escabedo III to be the leader of the show’s accompanying musical ensemble.
The late night host reportedly went as far as taking the request to the president of the ABC to see that the band perform. 
Kimmel later said, “I wanted somebody I had chemistry with. And there’s nobody in my life I have better chemistry with than him.”
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Escabedo III had been a show staple alongside his band since its first episode aired in 2003. (Getty)
The pair had reportedly been “inseparable” since they were both nine, having grown up across the street from each other in their Las Vegas neighbourhood.
The heartbroken host paid tribute to his late friend on Instagram.
“Early this morning, we lost a great friend, father, son, musician and man, my longtime bandleader Cleto Escobedo III,” the emotional post started. 
“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.”
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Jimmy Kimmel Live! was suspended from TV earlier this year, and sparked protests across America. (Getty)
Escabedo III is survived by his wife and two children, who Kimmel implored fans to “keep in their prayers.”
This is the latest heartbreak in what has proved a difficult year for Kimmel.
Only two months ago, the ABC (American Broadcasting Company) suspended production of Jimmy Kimmel Live! following the titular host’s comments on Donald Trump, and the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
TV hosts and talk show legends: Then and now
This decision to suspend the popular show received widespread backlash from political commentators, entertainment industry unions and public alike, sparking free speech protests country-wide.
The controversial move also spurred global boycotts of ABC’s corporate parent Disney, resulting in the reinstatement of the show on September 22.
Kimmel returned to TV with the highest-ever ratings for his show, attracting 6.3 million viewers.
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