(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Nicki Minaj has paid tribute to former Apple CEO Steve Jobs on Twitter.

The singer is one of many stars who took to the social networking site to express her sadness at his death.

Steve co-founded Apple and was the innovator for many of their revolutionary products.

In 2004 he announced he was suffering from a rare form of pancreatic cancer. This August Steve took a step down from CEO due to ill health and was replaced by Tim Cook.

Tributes poured in yesterday after it was announced that Steve had passed away at the age of 56.

"An innovator. Contributed so much to this generation & beyond. RIP Steve Jobs (sic)," Nicki tweeted shortly after the news was announced.

American President Barack Obama paid his respects to the technology giant with a heartfelt statement.

Many other public faces offered their condolences including Pharrell Willliams, Tyra Banks, Ellen DeGeneres and Ryan Seacrest.

" 'Have the courage to follow ur heart & intuition. They already know what u truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.' - Steve Jobs (sic)," Ryan tweeted.

Tim shared the tragic news with employees yesterday. After issuing an official statement the new CEO sent an email to all his staff, which was obtained by TMZ.

"Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius," it read. "The world has lost an amazing human being. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple." (C) Cover Media