CNN Breaking:  “Apple CEO Steve Jobs is taking a leave of absence to focus on his health, according to the company.”

Since CNN insists on assaulting my browser with a Flash ad instead of letting me click through, I’ve chosen one of dozens of other outlets with the story.  TechCruch:

Apple CEO Steve Jobs has just announced that he is taking a medical leave of absence according to a release issued by the company today. Here’s the email memo Jobs sent to Apple employees today.

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

TC’s Leena Rao engages in the inevitable speculation to fill in the blanks:

While it’s unclear what the reason is for the medical leave, Jobs’ medical history includes Pancreatic cancer as well as a liver transplant. In 2004, Jobs contracted Pancreatic Cancer, which he beat. Then Jobs underwent a liver transplant in 2009, and made a full recovery. During Jobs’ absence in 2009, COO Tim Cook also took over Apple’s day-to-day activities, similar to this situation.

Whatever the reason, one obviously hopes for the best.