New Delhi, Nov. 12 -- Jimmy Kimmel fought back tears as he opened Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Tuesday night, honoring his lifelong friend and band leader Cleto Escobedo III, who died earlier that day at 59. The 57-year-old host began the show visibly emotional, calling the moment "the hardest monologue" he's ever had to deliver in his 23 years on air.

"We've been on the air for almost 23 years and I've had to do some hard monologues along the way. But this one's the hardest because late last night, early this morning, we lost someone very special who was much too young," Kimmel said, his voice breaking.

He described Escobedo as a "great friend, father, son, musician and man", before pausing, struggling to continue. "Everyone loves Cleto. ever...