In a stunning turn that has sent shockwaves through Silicon Valley, Elon Musk—the CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, and xAI—has announced a two-year leave of absence from his executive roles to care for his mother, Maye Musk, amid what sources close to the family describe as a “serious and complex health crisis.”
The decision, shared quietly in a late-night email to board members and top staff, comes just days after Musk was spotted boarding a private jet to Zurich alongside his 76-year-old mother. Insider leaks now confirm Maye is set to begin an intensive and experimental treatment at a top-secret international medical facility specializing in neurological and autoimmune disorders.
No further details on her diagnosis have been officially disclosed, but according to one source with direct knowledge, “It’s aggressive, it’s rare, and it demands full-time care.”
An Unexpected Pause from a Relentless Force
Musk’s decision to step back—something many thought impossible—is already prompting speculation. Known for working 100-hour weeks and running multiple companies at once, Musk has often dismissed the idea of retirement or even extended breaks. But now, the man who’s sending rockets to Mars is putting it all on pause.
“Elon told the board this is non-negotiable,” a Tesla executive said under condition of anonymity. “He said, ‘My mother gave me everything. Now I give her everything.’ It was emotional. People cried.”
According to close friends, Musk’s son, X Æ A-12, is also traveling with the family, playing a surprising role in what some are calling “the most intimate chapter” of Musk’s life yet.
“Elon sees this as a family mission,” the source added. “He’s teaching his son about duty, love, and sacrifice. There’s no AI that can replace that.”
Industry in Limbo, Stocks on Edge
The announcement has left a crater-sized ripple across global markets. Tesla stock dropped 4% in pre-market trading. SpaceX officials confirmed that while Gwynne Shotwell will take over expanded duties, several major launches may be rescheduled.
Wall Street analysts are split—some applauding the personal decision, others questioning the long-term impact.
“Elon is the beating heart of several multibillion-dollar industries,” said Jonathan Pierce, lead tech analyst at NASDAQ Edge. “This isn’t like Steve Jobs disappearing for a summer. This is more like if Jobs had left in the middle of the iPhone launch… and tried to raise a kid at the same time.”
Critics Call It a “Cover Story,” Allies Say It’s “The Most Human Thing”
As with all things Musk, the announcement has generated both admiration and suspicion.
Some skeptics have floated theories that Musk’s sudden departure masks deeper tensions inside Tesla or is a strategic ploy tied to upcoming antitrust scrutiny. Conspiracy forums have lit up with claims ranging from secret AI developments to Musk preparing for “something much bigger than we know.”
But others insist this is simply a son doing what any son should do.
“This is the most human thing I’ve seen from him,” said longtime friend and biographer Ashlee Vance. “Forget rockets. This is about roots.”
Maye Musk: The Woman Behind the Titan
Maye Musk is far more than just Elon’s mother. A dietitian, model, and motivational force, Maye has graced the covers of Time, Vogue, and Elle, and raised her three children largely on her own. In past interviews, she spoke of living in poverty while working five jobs. “I didn’t raise a billionaire. I raised a boy who read two books a day and asked questions that scared adults,” she once said.
Now, that boy is returning the favor.
What Happens Next?
According to official statements, Musk will remain available for strategic decisions and emergencies but will step back from daily operations. A temporary executive panel is being established across his companies, though some question whether anyone can truly “fill in” for the visionary.
As the world watches, one thing is clear: Elon Musk has launched a new kind of mission—not to Mars, not to dominate AI, but to sit beside a hospital bed and hold his mother’s hand.
And perhaps, in the process, redefine what legacy really means.
