Apple today confirmed the news that the company's longtime head, Steve Jobs, would be taking a medical leave until June, releasing the letter he sent earlier today to employees.

"Unfortunately, the curiosity over my personal health continues to be a distraction not only for me and my family, but everyone else at Apple as well," Jobs wrote in the letter. "In addition, during the past week I have learned that my health-related issues are more complex than I originally thought."

Jobs explained that he wanted to take the "limelight" off of himself, in order to focus on his health, stating that he planned to return to the company in June. Jobs also announced that the company's COO, Tim Cook, would be filling in for him.

Jobs ended the letter on a hopeful note, "I look forward to seeing all of you this summer."