Cleto Escobedo III wasn't just the longtime bandleader on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, although that's how the saxophone player became famous along with working with big names like Paula Abdul and Marc Anthony.

He was also a childhood friend of Jimmy Kimmel's. As you'll see below from the tearful host who spent 22 minutes paying tribute to his late friend, they lived across the street from each other in Las Vegas.

And as Kimmel announced on Tuesday, Escobedo died at the age of 59.

"Early this morning, we lost a great friend, father, son, musician and man, my longtime bandleader Cleto Escobedo III," Kimmel wrote on Instagram. "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."

No official cause of death was listed by Kimmel. Page Six reported it may have been due to "complications stemming from a liver transplant."

Jimmy Kimmel paid tribute to Cleto Escobedo III on the air

Take the time to watch the entire thing. There are tears, stories about growing up together with pranks aplenty, how Escobedo got the job on Kimmel's show and so much more.

Sending good thoughts to Escobedo's family, loved ones and to Kimmel.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Cleto Escobedo III cause of death: What we know so far

Reporting by Charles Curtis, For The Win / For The Win

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