President Barack Obama has released a statement paying tribute to Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, who passed away Wednesday and was remembered by Obama as "among the greatest of American innovators."
"The world has lost a visionary. And there may be no greater tribute to Steve’s success than the fact that much of the world learned of his passing on a device he invented," Obama wrote. "Steve was fond of saying that he lived every day like it was his last. Because he did, he transformed our lives, redefined entire industries, and achieved one of the rarest feats in human history: he changed the way each of us sees the world."
Obama was joined by luminaries from the tech industry, such as Bill Gates, Larry Page and Mark Zuckerberg in honoring Jobs' contributions and offering their condolences to his family. Politicians also chimed in. Mitt Romney, for example, said Steve Jobs "is an inspiration to American entrepreneurs" who "will be missed," while John Boehner tweeted, "Steve Jobs changed the world for the better w/ his innovations & genius. R.I.P."
Read the full text of Obama's statement on Steve Jobs below. Click here for a look at how tech leaders have reflected on Jobs' death.
Michelle and I are saddened to learn of the passing of Steve Jobs. Steve was among the greatest of American innovators - brave enough to think differently, bold enough to believe he could change the world, and talented enough to do it.By building one of the planet’s most successful companies from his garage, he exemplified the spirit of American ingenuity. By making computers personal and putting the internet in our pockets, he made the information revolution not only accessible, but intuitive and fun. And by turning his talents to storytelling, he has brought joy to millions of children and grownups alike. Steve was fond of saying that he lived every day like it was his last. Because he did, he transformed our lives, redefined entire industries, and achieved one of the rarest feats in human history: he changed the way each of us sees the world.The world has lost a visionary. And there may be no greater tribute to Steve’s success than the fact that much of the world learned of his passing on a device he invented. Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to Steve’s wife Laurene, his family, and all those who loved him.