After learning of his death, I sat for a moment thinking what a loss. I'm not particular fan of Apple, but we wouldn't be where we're at today if it were not for men like Steve Jobs. It feels like a cheat, and I wonder, where do we go from here?
Hailed as a visionary and a technological genius, Steve Jobs' death prompted several Fortune 500 company CEOs, celebrities, politicians, fellow tech-savvy experts and Apple lovers to offer their condolences and praises of Jobs' life accomplishments.
Apple, Inc. also launched a shout-out tribute page on their website, Apple.com, inviting all to share their "thoughts, memories and condolences."
Jobs died on Wednesday. He was 56.
Here are their words:
Statement from Bill Gates
"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. "
Statement from Jerry Yang, Yahoo! founder
"Steve was my hero growing up. He not only gave me a lot of personal advice and encouragement, he showed all of us how innovation can change lives. I will miss him dearly, as will the world."
Statement from Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook founder and CEO
"Steve, thank you for being a mentor and a friend. Thanks for showing that what you build can change the world. I will miss you."
Statement from Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen
"My condolences to Steve Jobs family and friends. We've lost a unique tech pioneer and auteur who knew how to make amazingly great products."
Statement from House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.
"Steve Jobs was a visionary who changed the way we live, an innovator whose products brought joy to millions, a risktaker who wasn't afraid to challenge the status quo, and an entrepreneur who led one of the most creative companies of our time.
"His sage advice was respected by policymakers on both sides of the aisle. His courageous fight against cancer brought strength to many.
"I hope it is a comfort to those who loved him, especially his family, that so many grieve his loss and are praying for them at this sad time."
Statement from Walt Disney president Bob Iger
"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."
Statement from California Gov. Edmund Brown
"Steve Jobs was a great California innovator who demonstrated what a totally independent and creative mind can accomplish. Few people have made such a powerful and elegant imprint on our lives. Anne and I wish to express our deepest sympathy to Steve's wife, Laurene, and their entire family."
Statement from New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg
"Tonight, America lost a genius who will be remembered with Edison and Einstein, and whose ideas will shape the world for generations to come. Again and again over the last four decades, Steve Jobs saw the future and brought it to life long before most people could even see the horizon. And Steve's passionate belief in the power of technology to transform the way we live brought us more than smart phones and iPads: it brought knowledge and power that is reshaping the face of civilization. In New York City's government, everyone from street construction inspectors to NYPD detectives have harnessed Apple's products to do their jobs more efficiently and intuitively. Tonight our City - a city that has always had such respect and admiration for creative genius - joins with people around the planet in remembering a great man and keeping Laurene and the rest of the Jobs family in our thoughts and prayers."
Celebrities and Politicians Take to Twitter to Offer Condolences
Arianna Huffington, Huffington Post CEO
"@ariannahuff: My thoughts go out to Steve Jobs' family and friends. Thank you for changing our world."
Steve Levitan, co-creator/executive producer of ABC's "Modern Family"
"@SteveLevitan: I'm so sorry to hear about the death of Steve Jobs. He was truly one of my heroes. He leaves one hell of a legacy. #iSad"
Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger
"@Schwarzenegger: Steve lived the California Dream every day of his life and he changed the world and inspired all of us. #ThankYouSteve"
Former California first lady Maria Shriver
"@mariashriver: I'm going to turn off my Apple computer, iPhone and iPad tonight at 8pm and honor Steve with a moment of digital silence. Will you join me?"
"@mariashriver: I'm so happy that I knew him and was so blessed by his friendship. He impacted all of our lives and changed the world."
"@mariashriver: My heart weeps for all who worked with Steve and who loved him, especially my friend Laurene and their children."
Jon Huntsman, Republican presidential candidate
"@JonHuntsman: Sad to hear about the passing of Steve Jobs, a true inspiration and a great American innovator."
Ryan Seacrest, "American Idol" host/radio talk show personality/producer
"@RyanSeacrest: 'Have the courage to follow ur heart & intuition. They already know what u truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.' - Steve Jobs"
Nancy Grace, TV host, "Dancing With the Stars" contestant
"@NancyGraceHLN: About to go to air & discovered news about Steve Jobs - My heart goes out to his family tonight. #RIP Steve Jobs"
Lebron James, Miami Heat forward
"@KingJames: R.I.P Steve Jobs. Someone who definitely left his mark on this world! Innovations that will live and last forever!!"
Neil Patrick Harris, Actor on "How I Met Your Mother"
"@ActuallyNPH: Rest in peace, Steve Jobs. Your genius will live on for generations to come..."
Zach Braff, Actor
"@zachbraff: RIP Steve Jobs. A legend. A visionary innovator."
Nick Lachey, singer, host of "The Sing-Off"
"@NickSLachey: Best wishes to the family of #stevejobs. What an amazing man and amazing life! Certainly, his legacy will be with us all forever. #RIP."
After learning of his death, I sat for a moment thinking what a loss. I'm not particular fan of Apple, but we wouldn't be where we're at today if it were not for men like Steve Jobs. It feels like a cheat, and I wonder, where do we go from here?