Sources have claimed that Jimmy Kimmel might bid farewell to his late-night television show soon. Several insiders have shared the alleged reason why the host is considering quitting the show after more than two decades on air.
Insiders suggest Jimmy Kimmel is affected by best friend’s death
According to a recent report by Rob Shuter, Jimmy Kimmel might be preparing to step back from late-night TV in the near future. Insider sources close to Kimmel have claimed that he is devastated by the recent death of his best friend and bandleader, Cleto Escobedo III.
“Cleto’s death shattered him,” said a source. “Jimmy keeps saying, ‘Life’s too short to be stuck under studio lights every night.’ He wants real time with his family — not another award,” they claimed.
Escobedo had been a longtime friend and collaborator of Jimmy Kimmel. The pair had known each other since their childhood and attended the Guinn Junior High School together.
Escobedo and his band, Cleto and the Cletones, had been a seminal presence on Jimmy Kimmel Live! since its inception, as the show’s popular house band. “They built it together,” the source stated, adding, “Without Cleto, the magic is gone.”
Escobedo, 59, passed away on November 11. Kimmel mourned his loss in a heartfelt post on his Instagram and later delivered an emotional monologue on the show, honoring Escobedo’s memories.
Sources from ABC also claim that Kimmel was planning to retire last year but stayed put due to the recent controversy. “He didn’t want to look like he was running from a scandal,” an insider claimed. Kimmel now reportedly stated, “I came back to honor Cleto. Once I’ve done that… I’m done.”
Another member of the show’s staff claimed that Kimmel will “leave on his own terms — and no one will blame him.” As of now, there has been no official statement from Kimmel about this. The late-night host has yet to announce his official departure from the show.
