A longtime member of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” — and a good friend of the host himself — has died.

He was 59 years old.

Kimmel announced the death of Cleto Escobedo III, who served as the bandleader on the show, via Instagram on Tuesday. Escobedo and Kimmel reportedly grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada, together, and remained friends and colleagues for decades.

“Early this morning, we lost a great friend, father, son, musician, and man, my longtime leader Cleto Escobedo III,” the post begins . “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 parent

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