By John Q. Hosedrinker 
On Tuesday night, Jimmy Kimmel paid tribute to his longtime friend and “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” bandleader, Cleto Escobedo III, who recently passed away. The two were inseparable since childhood, sharing a bond that extended to their professional lives, where Escobedo led the show’s band for over two decades. Kimmel shared fond memories of their shared experiences, highlighting their unique connection and the impact Escobedo had on his life. Escobedo was remembered as a phenomenal musician who toured with Paula Abdul and a great friend to many. Kimmel announced the show would take a break due to Escobedo’s passing.
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Jimmy Kimmel announces the death of his bandleader and close friend, Cleto Escobedo III, and it’s a moment that really cuts deep. The tribute Kimmel gave, the full monologue available for anyone to see, is apparently quite the emotional journey. People are describing it as “raw and beautiful” and it seems to have touched a lot of viewers. It’s clear from the comments that this wasn’t just a professional colleague; it was a deeply personal relationship, a friendship that spanned years.
The evolution of Kimmel, from his early career days like “The Man Show” to being able to openly express this level of vulnerability, is definitely a striking observation. It’s a testament to personal growth, and a great reminder that it’s okay to show your emotions. The comments reflect on how refreshing it is to see someone in the public eye allow themselves to be this open, this authentic.
The shared history between Kimmel and Escobedo goes back much further than some people realized, creating an even greater sense of respect for their bond. Knowing that they had this kind of deep-rooted history makes the tribute even more meaningful. The loss of a lifelong friend is something that many can relate to, and the outpouring of support and condolences in the comments section really hammers home the impact of Escobedo’s passing.
One of the more interesting observations made is about the cultural aspect of eulogies. In the USA, it’s often customary for friends and family to give tributes, and the expectation is that they will be emotional. These are moments of reflection and remembrance. This is a contrast to other cultural traditions where the priest might be the primary speaker, and sometimes, those speeches don’t focus as much on the individual being honored.
The tribute’s emotional weight is clearly evident. Even watching the clip can be difficult, as the loss is palpable. It’s hard to watch someone go through such grief, and it underscores the true value of long-term friendship. People are noting how this has been a tough year for Kimmel, and this loss adds another layer of sorrow. The comments indicate concern and empathy for what he’s going through.
There’s a note of disbelief from some commentators, perhaps a reflection on the succession of unfortunate events that Kimmel has experienced, leading to cynical questioning of the situation. Some people seem to be struggling with the sudden nature of the loss. The comments express genuine sorrow for Kimmel, with many describing the video tribute as particularly moving and heartfelt.
The discussion shifts to other topics, however, it does circle back to the central theme, reinforcing the impact of the loss. The appreciation of authentic emotions, the heartfelt reflections, it’s clear the comments center on the profoundness of the tribute.
The conversation veers into discussions of celebrity in politics. The original post, and many of the comments, serve as a kind of emotional touchstone to anchor back to the genuine respect for the relationship between Kimmel and Escobedo. The sincerity of the tribute resonates deeply.
The debate also shifts to the idea of what values, or what kind of personal qualities, would be useful in leadership, and what kind of roles should celebrities have. The comments suggest that Kimmel’s heartfelt tribute is evidence of someone with the kind of decent qualities that most would want in a leader.
The emphasis remains on the idea that the personal loss of Escobedo is connected to Kimmel’s public persona. The discussion bounces around a lot, with thoughts on politics and society, but the core theme remains the genuine respect that’s clearly felt for Kimmel. The whole thing underlines the raw emotion and enduring nature of close friendships.