Steve Jobs changed the way we work, we play, we listen to music, and we watch movies. He was an incredibly talented visionary, and now at the age of 56, Steve Jobs has passed away after a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer.

From Apple:

“We are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Jobs passed away today.

Steve’s brilliance, passion, and energy were the source of countless innovations that enrich and improve all of our lives. The world is immeasurably better because of Steve.

His greatest love was for his wife, Laurene, and his family. Our hearts go out to them and to all who were touched by his extraordinary gifts.”

And after the news broke of Steve’s death, his family issued this statement:

“Steve died peacefully today surrounded by his family.

In his public life, Steve was known as a visionary; in his private life, he cherished his family. We are thankful to the many people who have shared their wishes and prayers during the last year of Steve’s illness; a website will be provided for those who wish to offer tributes and memories.

We are grateful for the support and kindness of those who share our feelings for Steve. We know many of you will mourn with us, and we ask that you respect our privacy during our time of grief.”

Steve Jobs was forced to take extended leaves of absence due to his health issues, and in August he resigned from Apple.

“August 24, 2011
Letter from Steve Jobs
To the Apple Board of Directors and the Apple Community:

I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple’s CEO, I would be the first to let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come.

I hereby resign as CEO of Apple. I would like to serve, if the Board sees fit, as Chairman of the Board, director and Apple employee.

As far as my successor goes, I strongly recommend that we execute our succession plan and name Tim Cook as CEO of Apple.

I believe Apple’s brightest and most innovative days are ahead of it. And I look forward to watching and contributing to its success in a new role.

I have made some of the best friends of my life at Apple, and I thank you all for the many years of being able to work alongside you.

Steve”

Bill Gates’ statement on the death of Steve Jobs:

“I’m truly saddened to learn of Steve Jobs’ death. Melinda and I extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends and to everyone Steve has touched through his work.

Steve and I first met nearly 30 years ago, and have been colleagues, competitors, and friends over the course of more than half our lives.

The world rarely sees someone who has had the profound impact Steve has had, the effects of which will be felt for many generations to come.

For those of us lucky enough to get to work with him, it’s been an insanely great honor. I will miss Steve immensely.”

The following is a statement from Robert A. Iger, President and CEO, The Walt Disney Company on Steve Jobs’ passing:

“Steve Jobs was a great friend as well as a trusted advisor. His legacy will extend far beyond the products he created or the businesses he built. It will be the millions of people he inspired, the lives he changed, and the culture he defined. Steve was such an ‘original,’ with a thoroughly creative, imaginative mind that defined an era. Despite all he accomplished, it feels like he was just getting started. With his passing the world has lost a rare original, Disney has lost a member of our family, and I have lost a great friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Laurene and his children during this difficult time.”

From John Lasseter, Chief Creative Officer & Ed Catmull, President, Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios on Steve Jobs’ passing:

“Steve Jobs was an extraordinary visionary, our very dear friend and the guiding light of the Pixar family. He saw the potential of what Pixar could be before the rest of us, and beyond what anyone ever imagined. Steve took a chance on us and believed in our crazy dream of making computer animated films; the one thing he always said was to simply ‘make it great.’ He is why Pixar turned out the way we did and his strength, integrity and love of life has made us all better people. He will forever be a part of Pixar’s DNA. Our hearts go out to his wife Laurene and their children during this incredibly difficult time.”

The Recording Academy’s statement on Steve Jobs:

“Visionary, pioneer, innovator, genius — all of these words and more have been used to describe the dynamic, passionate, and driven Steve Jobs, who always believed, and often proved, that the impossible was possible. He took technology and turned it into art, becoming a key player and leader in the entertainment world, particularly music, and changing the way we all use the Internet and consume music, TV, movies, books, graphics, and more.

In 2002, Apple Computer, Inc. was a recipient of the Technical GRAMMY Award for contributions of outstanding technical significance to the recording field — which the groundbreaking company continues to achieve to this day. The world has lost an inspiring and creative inventor whose extraordinary legacy will forever remain present in our lives. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family, his friends, and the outstanding employees of Apple who will continue to honor his memory and vision.

Neil Portnow
President/CEO
The Recording Academy”

Our thoughts are with Steve Jobs’ family and friends at this difficult time.