Introduction

Jesse Escobedo has quietly stepped into a spotlight she never asked for — the daughter of late bandleader Cleto Escobedo III, who passed away at 59 in November 2025. While her father’s death triggered headlines and tributes across late-night television, Jesse’s story is one of family, creativity and carrying forward a legacy. As the world reacts to her father’s illness and cause of death, this look dives into Jesse’s life, her bond with her father and the family she shares with her younger brother, Cruz, and their mother, Lori.

Who She Is

Jesse Escobedo is the daughter of Cleto Escobedo III and his wife, Lori. Born around 2009 (her father celebrated her 10th birthday in May 2019), Jesse grew up in a home anchored by music, community and late-night television. While her father led the house band of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Jesse and her younger brother Cruz were a constant reminder that his greatest performance was at home. With the recent news of her father’s death, many are searching for the story behind the bandleader’s children — and Jesse’s story stands at the heart of it.

Early Life & Childhood

Jesse was raised alongside her brother Cruz in Studio City, California, by their parents Cleto and Lori. Her childhood intertwined with her father’s career — fishing trips, father-daughter reels, and Christmas tree decorating moments often shared quietly on social media posts. In 2019, Cleto posted a heartfelt tribute for Jesse’s 10th birthday:

“I love a lot of people on this earth, but this little girl changed my life when she came into this world ten years ago… You ARE my world, Jesse!”
That post revealed a glimpse of Jesse’s importance to her father — and the emotional bond they had.

Family Background, Parents & Siblings

Jesse is the elder of two children born to Cleto and Lori Escobedo. Her brother, Cruz, was born later (exact date not publicly specified) and together they formed the family unit of a celebrated musician and a devoted mother. Her father, Cleto, was born August 23, 1966, led the band on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and died November 11, 2025. Her mother, Lori, mostly kept a private profile, but played a vital role in raising Jesse and Cruz away from the spotlight.

Education

While specific details about Jesse’s schooling are not publicly available, she grew up in a home steeped in creativity and performance. Surrounded by musicians, late-night show sets and her father’s performances, Jesse’s formative years blended normal childhood with glimpses behind the scenes of entertainment. The environment likely fostered resilience, adaptability and a strong sense of family—the kind of foundation that matters when the public world shifts overnight.

Connection to the Celebrity

Jesse’s father, Cleto Escobedo III, was more than a bandleader — he was a friend to host Jimmy Kimmel since childhood and the musical heartbeat of the show from 2003 onward. His death has become a trending topic, and while the cause has not been officially confirmed, several outlets reported complications following a liver transplant. This moment of public grief inevitably cast focus on Jesse and her family. She is now part of the narrative — the daughter of a man beloved by audiences and cherished by his household.

Their Relationship Dynamic

Jesse’s relationship with her father was marked by ordinary moments made extraordinary. Whether it was a fishing trip captured on Instagram or a heartfelt birthday tribute, her presence changed the way he spoke about his life. After his death, host Jimmy Kimmel asked viewers to keep Cleto’s wife, children and parents in their prayers — signaling the tight-knit nature of his family. For Jesse, the legacy of her father is now both personal and public: a man recognized as a musician, mentor and friend — and simply “Dad.”

Personal Life / Relationships

At an estimated age of mid-teens (based on her father’s post celebrating her 10th in 2019), Jesse is still young, and thus many details of her personal aspirations remain private. Alongside her brother Cruz, she is expected to carry forward the values instilled by her parents: love for music, community, and authenticity. While net worth or business ventures for Jesse are not applicable at this stage, her personal story is already one of legacy, transition and resilience.

Interesting Facts

1. Jesse’s 10th birthday in May 2019 was publicly honored by her father with a moving Instagram message about love and transformation.

2. Her father, Cleto, often referenced how becoming a father to Jesse changed the way he viewed life and music.

3. Jesse and brother Cruz grew up while their father led a live-television band — an unusual childhood behind nightly performances.

4. After her father’s passing, public tributes from Jimmy Kimmel and the show acknowledged “his wife and children” — putting Jesse’s role in the grieving family clearly into view.

5. Although private, Jesse’s early presence in her father’s posts suggests she may already share an interest in creative or musical pursuits.

 

Recent News / Updates

The passing of her father, Cleto Escobedo III, on November 11, 2025, has put Jesse and her family into the public eye. While the cause of death has not been officially confirmed, multiple reports point to complications following a liver transplant. The entertainment world has paused to acknowledge the loss — and Jesse, at her young age, now faces a profound moment of transition. Her story continues quietly, but with renewed relevance.

Conclusion

Jesse Escobedo stands at a unique intersection between private life and public legacy. As the daughter of a man whose music filled late-night television and whose life inspired many, Jesse’s journey now holds both continuity and change. The recent death of her father may have brought her into focus, but the story ahead is hers to shape — guided by love, family, and the rhythms of a legacy that plays on.

FAQ

Q1: Who is Jesse Escobedo?
A: Jesse Escobedo is the daughter of late bandleader Cleto Escobedo III and his wife Lori. She grew up alongside her brother Cruz in a musical household.

Q2: What is Jesse’s connection to Cleto Escobedo III’s death?
A: Her father died on November 11, 2025 at age 59. While the cause of death is unconfirmed, multiple reports cite complications from a liver transplant. Jesse is one of the immediate family members impacted.

Q3: Does Jesse have siblings?
A: Yes—she has a younger brother named Cruz Escobedo.

Q4: Who is Jesse’s mother?
A: Jesse’s mother is Lori Escobedo, wife of Cleto Escobedo III. The family lived privately in Studio City, California.

Q5: What does the future hold for Jesse Escobedo?
A: While Jesse’s personal path is not publicly detailed, she inherits a legacy of creativity, strong family ties and a father who publicly celebrated his role as her parent. Her story is still unfolding.