Janice Dean, the veteran meteorologist on Fox News' flagship morning show "Fox & Friends," announced Thursday that she is stepping away from the weather desk after 22 years for health reasons. Dean, who has multiple sclerosis, has been off the air for several months. In a 3-minute video shared on X, she said that her symptoms had now "progressed to the point that I can no longer continue working in my role and my doctors agreed that stepping away was necessary for my health."
Dean's Health Journey and Decision
"For a long time, I was able to handle the early mornings, the many hours on my feet, and the stress of broadcasting live," Dean explained. "Getting up at 2:30 in the morning and performing anything is hard, but especially for someone who has multiple sclerosis." She continued: "For those living with MS, the war is inside of us. We may look fine but our immune system is attacking the brain, the spinal cord and sometimes the optic nerve. We are left with permanent scars, but ones you can only see on MRI imaging."
Dean said she was "thankfully" diagnosed early and received "different therapies for over the last two decades," but that "there's no cure for MS and over time, my symptoms have progressed." She added, "Unfortunately, lack of sleep and stress are some of the biggest triggers and I was increasingly feeling the effects of my limitations."
Support from Colleagues and Network
In a statement, Fox News Media praised Dean's "warmth, resilience, and dedication" and said "her willingness to share her personal journeys has touched countless lives and served as a source of strength and encouragement to many." Several of Dean's Fox News colleagues shared messages of support following her announcement. John Roberts wrote: "This is such sad news. JD - you have been a part of our Fox family for as long as I can remember. You will be missed more than you can ever know...." Jessica Tarlov commented: "Courageous is right. You've been missed and will always be. You are one of the warmest and most genuine people I've ever known. Happy that you'll be taking better care of yourself for those beautiful boys and know it's the right thing to do." And Martha MacCallum said: "You are so loved, Janice. And missed here every day. I'll never forget when we shared a closet as an office in our early days at Fox. You are such an inspiration to all of us. An example of courage and grace and always Mostly Sunny."
Dean's Farewell Message
Dean said she'd miss "so many things" about the role, with her "favorite part" being meeting viewers in person. She signed off with a heartfelt message: "I know so many of you have been wondering where I've been. Please know I've read your comments, prayers and words of support and kindness. It meant the world to me. Goodbyes are hard. But they are necessary before you can meet again… Love, JD."
