Steve Jobs' Death Lamented by Sarah Palin; Calls Him an 'Island'

Steve Jobs died at his home on Wednesday night, and the sad event eclipsed most other news stories, including Sarah Palin's official decision not to run for president.

Palin spoke with Fox News' Greta van Susteren last night to make her campaign intentions known to America, but the first question out of the reporter's mouth was about the Apple founder's passing.

Governor, I want to talk to you about your decision, but first your thoughts tonight on Steve Jobs dying because I think he probably has probably touched all of us in so many ways, and I'm curious to hear your thoughts tonight, van Susteren asked.

Palin responded by praising Jobs, saying he touched all of us and changed in such a positive way the way that the world communicates.

Steve Jobs was certainly not a singular man. He was not an — he was an island that touched so many people.

She also talked about her love of the iPad, which provides much entertainment for her children.

Millions of Apple users, as well as Jobs' peers also commented on the death.

“Steve, thank you for being a mentor and a friend. Thanks for showing that what you build can change the world. I will miss you, said Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg.

Old friend Bill Gates, who along with Jobs should be credited with shaping the past, present and future of computers and the world, had kind words the his former rival.

“The world rarely sees someone who has had the profound impact Steve has had, the effects of which will be felt for many generations to come. For those of us lucky enough to get to work with him, it’s been an insanely great honor. I will miss Steve immensely.”

Jobs, who left his job as the head of Apple, the company he co-founded in 1976, suffered from pancreatic cancer for many years. Apple dedicated their homepage to Jobs on Wednesday evening, showing a full page photo of the computer entrepreneur, along with the words Steve Jobs, 1955-2011.

Jobs kept his health problems quite for many years, releasing the simple statement of ...my doctors think they have found the cause [of my weightless] - a hormone imbalance that has been 'robbing' me of the proteins my body needs to be healthy.... The remedy for this nutritional problem is relatively simple and straightforward, and I've already begun treatment in 2008.

On Wednesday night, Apple released a short statement about Jobs' death.

We are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Jobs passed away today, Apple's board of directors said in a statement.

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.