Steve Jobs granted "medical leave of absence" from Apple, continues as CEO

Apple CEO Steve Jobs has announced that he is taking a medical leave of absence. He will continue as CEO.

Here's a copy of the email that was sent out to all Apple employees:

Team,

At my request, the board of directors has granted me a medical leave of absence so I can focus on my health. I will continue as CEO and be involved in major strategic decisions for the company.

I have asked Tim Cook to be responsible for all of Apple’s day to day operations. I have great confidence that Tim and the rest of the executive management team will do a terrific job executing the exciting plans we have in place for 2011.

I love Apple so much and hope to be back as soon as I can. In the meantime, my family and I would deeply appreciate respect for our privacy.

Steve

It's almost exactly 2 years since Jobs last took medical leave of absense from Apple, in January 2009 before receiving a liver transplant in April of the same year.

Since today is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and therefore a Federal holiday, we'll have to wait until tomorrow to see what effect this has on Apple's share price. Also, tomorrow is Apple's Q1 2001 earnings release day.

This alos happens at a time when Apple and shareholders are in opposition over how the company should handle CEO succession.

On a more personal level, get well soon, Steve.