Apple CEO Steve Jobs has posted an open letter online. Here it is, verbatim:
Dear Apple Community,
For the first time in a decade, I’m getting to spend the holiday season with my family, rather than intensely preparing for a Macworld keynote.
Unfortunately, my decision to have Phil deliver the Macworld keynote set off another flurry of rumors about my health, with some even publishing stories of me on my deathbed.
I’ve decided to share something very personal with the Apple community so that we can all relax and enjoy the show tomorrow.
As many of you know, I have been losing weight throughout 2008. The reason has been a mystery to me and my doctors. A few weeks ago, I decided that getting to the root cause of this and reversing it needed to become my #1 priority.
Fortunately, after further testing, my doctors think they have found the cause—a hormone imbalance that has been “robbing” me of the proteins my body needs to be healthy. Sophisticated blood tests have confirmed this diagnosis.
The remedy for this nutritional problem is relatively simple and straightforward, and I’ve already begun treatment. But, just like I didn’t lose this much weight and body mass in a week or a month, my doctors expect it will take me until late this Spring to regain it. I will continue as Apple’s CEO during my recovery.
I have given more than my all to Apple for the past 11 years now. I will be the first one to step up and tell our Board of Directors if I can no longer continue to fulfill my duties as Apple’s CEO. I hope the Apple community will support me in my recovery and know that I will always put what is best for Apple first.
So now I’ve said more than I wanted to say, and all that I am going to say, about this.
Steve
Source: Apple Inc.
Also today, Apple’s Board of Directors have released a statement, verbatim:
It is widely recognized both inside and outside of Apple that Steve Jobs is one of the most talented and effective CEOs in the world.
As we have said before, if there ever comes a day when Steve wants to retire or for other reasons cannot continue to fulfill his duties as Apple’s CEO, you will know it.
Apple is very lucky to have Steve as its leader and CEO, and he deserves our complete and unwavering support during his recuperation. He most certainly has that from Apple and its Board.
Source: Apple Inc.
MacDailyNews Take: This ought to help the share price of AAPL, at least until the shorts come back with newly-concocted health rumors this summer or until the Uptick Rule is reinstated in order to curtail such manipulation.
The results of a recent MacDailyNews Poll, taken December 30, 2008, are shown at the left.
“If Jobso is still running Apple at year-end, I’ll be shocked.” – Daniel ‘Fake Steve Jobs’ Lyons, July 03, 2008
It’s too bad The Royal Asshole Lyons wasn’t being literal.
Also, with her attempt to nab the “Ill-Timed Article of the Year Award” only 5 days into 2009, none other than the Laura Goldman chimes in this morning with this gem: “Steve Jobs could end the speculation by speaking forthrightly about his health, but that is not Job’s way.”
Whoops.
Hey, good news
Once and for all…
I can dream, can’t I?
Likely a thyroid issue — might be related to Steve’s vegetarianism if he’s not getting needed nutrients from other sources (I think he does eat fish, so he’s not vegan). I should be so lucky on the weight loss thing (haven’t dared to get on the scale post-vacation).
Nothing to see here folks, move along…
It is indeed a pity that the man cannot be allowed the right to a private medical history without the greedy and the unprincipled trying to make capital from it.
But he’s said what everyone wanted so maybe they’ll finally get off his case.
As for Phil doing the keynote, maybe Steve just wants to make sure there’s someone who CAN step up to the plate if something happens — you ever drive Silicon Valley traffic? Accidents can and do happen…
Thanks for clearing things up, Steve. Have a speedy recovery and a great year 2009!
Get Well Soon Steve, from Jamie and the family. X
Steve Ballmer has just announced he too has got a hormone imbalance.
And so, everything that the reasonable members of the community have been stating for the past several months have been reinforced in concrete by Jobs himself. People really should leave the man alone, but this even further shows how truly selfless Jobs is in the face of damage to Apple. I applaud him, and his dedication to the company and the Mac Community.
” width=”19″ height=”19″ alt=”smile” style=”border:0;” />.
Get well soon, Steve.
In the mean time, good luck Phil!
Great, got that off the table.
Now we can move along……
I also am assuming that it is thyroid disease, probably hyperthyroidism. If so, it is easily treated. In fact, he will probably now have to work very hard to keep weight off after treatment.
It has nothing at all to do with vegetarianism.
I didn’t know he was a vegetarian !
If he doesn’t eat meat, make him lamb “Big fat Greek Wedding”
I’m riding with you, Steve. Can’t wait to see you after you get better.
I’m sure this can be cleared up, health wise, and in between now and then, good luck Apple!
I am delighted to hear from both Apple and Steve Jobs concerning his frail appearance. I wish Steve a long and prosperous life and apple a long and successful life. The rumors that have been spread by people who have an axe to grind with Apple have been hurting the company and lowering it stock prices. This might be deliberate to drive down prices so that the people spreading the rumors may take advantage of lower stock prices with the eye to selling when the stock rebounds. Buy low, sell high.
Steve Jobs is the CEO of a publicly traded corporation. As such, the status of his health is a concern, not just to his family, but to the corporation as well as his stockholders and those who use apple products both professional and recreationally. Steve J. and Steve B. and Bill G. and the Wiz are all the same app age, all born in the mid 50s.
i trust the death watchers will shut-up now.
get well mr apple.
Can’t wait until the rumours start and the share prices drop because Jobs is too fat! I can hear it now:
“He’s obviously skimming off the profits and eating it up at a rate that will totally annihilate Apple’s cash reserves. Jobs will be dead within months if he doesn’t stop. Why won’t Jobs comment on his Oprah-esque weight gain?!”
All the Best, Steve! Get Well Soon,
NB
Gizmodo can rot.
Wish you all the best Steve.
It’s a sad day when anyone can be bullied into having to explain their health to the world.
Hellooooo!
“Where Apple News Comes After it is already on CNN, MSNBC and every other blog!”
More attention to Apple News than Ads, please!
And Steve best of luck and a speedy recovery….But…
Someone get that guy prime steak (Rib Eye) and a baked potato!
The world (computing and more) is depending on him!
OK Let me have it! Bring It On!
in 3,2,1……
We love you Steve.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Be well. . .
With all due respect to my vegetarian friends, I think a few Carl Jr’s a day would take care of the weight issue pretty quickly.
Alternatively, finally Jobs has a reason to seek Ballmer’s advise. Hey Ballmer, how do you keep that fat ass so plump?
Steve, just eat a freakin’ steak!
“Something has been “robbing” me body of protein”—Paraphrased Steve Jobs.
That something Steve is you. If your going to be a vegan, at least do it right. If you can’t then have a slab-o-dead cow every couple weeks. It’ll do ya good.