When the news of the passing of Steve Jobs hit yesterday, it hit hard. The Twittersphere exploded as celebrities and regular, everyday people alike took to the Internet to express their grief, offer condolences, and, above all, memorialize one of the greatest technological visionaries in history. Others moved beyond the 140-character limit to send out complete statements. Some of the tributes are poetic; some, profound; some even funny; but they are all thoughtful and poignant.

So wherever you are now, Steve, know this: You are respected. You are loved. And you are missed.

Statement from Jerry Yang, Yahoo! Founder:

"Steve was my hero growing up. He not only gave me a lot of personal advice and encouragement, he showed all of us how innovation can change lives. I will miss him dearly, as will the world."

Statement from Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook Founder and CEO:

"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."

Statement from Microsoft Co-Founder Paul Allen:

"My condolences to Steve Jobs family and friends. We've lost a unique tech pioneer and auteur who knew how to make amazingly great products."

Statement from Walt Disney President Bob Iger:

"Steve Jobs was a great friend as well as a trusted advisor. His legacy will extend far beyond the products he created or the businesses he built. It will be the millions of people he inspired, the lives he changed, and the culture he defined. Steve was such an "original," with a thoroughly creative, imaginative mind that defined an era. Despite all he accomplished, it feels like he was just getting started. With his passing the world has lost a rare original, Disney has lost a member of our family, and I have lost a great friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Laurene and his children during this difficult time."

Statement from President Barack Obama:

"Michelle and I are saddened to learn of the passing of Steve Jobs. Steve was among the greatest of American innovators - brave enough to think differently, bold enough to believe he could change the world, and talented enough to do it.

By building one of the planet's most successful companies from his garage, he exemplified the spirit of American ingenuity. By making computers personal and putting the internet in our pockets, he made the information revolution not only accessible, but intuitive and fun. And by turning his talents to storytelling, he has brought joy to millions of children and grownups alike. Steve was fond of saying that he lived every day like it was his last. Because he did, he transformed our lives, redefined entire industries, and achieved one of the rarest feats in human history: he changed the way each of us sees the world.

The world has lost a visionary. And there may be no greater tribute to Steve's success than the fact that much of the world learned of his passing on a device he invented. Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to Steve's wife Laurene, his family, and all those who loved him."

Lucia Peters is BettyConfidential's associate editor.