Justin Sullivan/Getty ImagesSteve Jobs has died.
The Apple and Pixar guru who changed how we listen to music, watch TV and movies, and live our modern lives was 56.
Jobs resigned as CEO of Apple in August, announcing that he "could no longer meet [his] duties and expectations." At the time, he'd battled pancreatic cancer for seven years.
As when Walt Disney succumbed to cancer, Jobs' death seems too soon, and threatens to leave too big a hole.
"Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being," read a statement on the company website. "Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple."
Via Apple's Macintosh, Jobs introduced the computing world to the mouse. Via the iPod, he gave the digital-music revolution its reward. Via iTunes, he gave the music industry a lifeline. Via the iPhone and iPad, he led eyes away from fixed TV and computer screens, and toward anywhere-you-go, there's-your-favorite-show screens.
He bet on Pixar before it was Pixar, and became a billionaire when the CGI-animation studio struck gold with its game-changing, Oscar-dominating films, from Toy Story on. When the late Walt's company bought Pixar in 2006, Jobs became Disney's largest single shareholder.
And when he launched the Macintosh in an epic commercial called "1984," he ensured Super Bowl Sunday would become less and less about the football.
Jobs' garage-to-riches story was told in the TV-movie, Pirates of the Silicon Valley. Noah Wyle played Jobs.
Years ago romantically linked to singer Joan Baez, Jobs married wife Laurene in 1991. They had three children. He also had a fourth child from a previous relationship.
"We are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Jobs passed away today," read a statement from Apple's Board of Directors. "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."