Apple founder and CEO Steve Jobs sent a note this morning to employees saying he’s taking a medical leave of absence so he can focus on his health.

Jobs has a history of pancreatic cancer and underwent a liver transplant in 2009. He says he will continue as CEO and be involved in major decisions but has asked Tim Cook to be responsible for all day-to-day operations. Jobs says he loves Apple and hopes to be back as soon as he can. He says he and his family would appreciate respect for their privacy.