Apple CEO Tim Cook offered Steve Jobs his liver

Steve Jobs protégé and current Apple Inc. CEO Tim Cook offered up his liver to the iconic Apple founder after he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, according to excerpts from the book “Becoming Steve Jobs,” set to be released by Random House next week.

While the excerpts, initially posted on Amazon.com AMZN, -0.98% , have since been removed, media reports say the story played out like this: Cook, who visited Jobs regularly at his home after the former Apple AAPL, -0.69% chief was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, became so upset after a particular visit that he had his blood tested to see if he’d be a match with Jobs’ rare blood type.

Realizing a partial liver transplant was feasible, Cook, at the time Apple’s chief operating officer, offered up his organ, which Jobs vehemently turned down without hesitation.

“He cut me off at the legs, almost before the words were out of my mouth,” the excerpt says, according to reports. “‘No,’ he said. ‘I’ll never let you do that. I’ll never do that.’”

Jobs ultimately got a liver transplant in 2009 from a different donor. He stepped down as CEO from Apple in August 2011 and died two months later.

The book, penned by journalists Brent Schlender and Rick Tetzeli, seeks to break down existing myths and stereotypes about Jobs, the creator of the iPhone, Apple’s best-ever-selling product.

The book’s summary promises never-before-told stories about Jobs from those who knew him personally, including Cook, Apple executive Jony Ive and Walt Disney Co. DIS, -0.68% CEO Robert Iger.

Source : Reuters