Janice Dean, the beloved senior meteorologist for Fox News and a co-host on Fox & Friends, has announced she is stepping away from her on-air duties to focus on her health.
Announcing a Necessary Break
Dean shared the personal news with her followers in a heartfelt Facebook post on Wednesday. She explained that she is taking a break from both work and social media to allow her body time to heal from unspecified health issues.
I'm ok, but I've had some health issues that require rest and time to heal, Dean wrote. She expressed gratitude for the support from her employers, stating, My bosses at Fox have been kind and understanding, and I feel blessed to be able to take a break to be with my family.
She described a recent vacation to Rome with her husband, Sean Newman, as a spiritual starting point for her recovery. Now, her focus is on regaining her physical strength.
A Long-Standing Battle with Multiple Sclerosis
Janice Dean's health journey is one her longtime viewers know well. She joined Fox News in 2004 and was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis just one year later, in 2005.
In a 2024 interview with People, Dean recalled the fear that accompanied her initial diagnosis. I remember just feeling all of it was going to end: that my boyfriend was going to leave me, that I would be in a wheelchair, and I wouldn't be able to do my job at Fox, she shared. All of my dreams kind of came crashing down.
Despite those early fears, Dean has persevered for nearly two decades. I'm still standing, she affirmed. Better than standing. And I sometimes think I'm a better person because of the diagnosis. She credits MS with helping her realize what is truly important in life: your health and your family and your support system.
Support from Colleagues and Family
The mother of two has not walked this path alone. She has received significant encouragement from former Fox News colleague Neil Cavuto, who also lives with multiple sclerosis.
Dean's announcement emphasizes her commitment to being transparent with her audience. I've always been up front and honest about my life, and I felt I owed you an explanation of my absence, she wrote. She concluded her message with a promise to her fans: But, I will be back. Grateful to you all for the kind words.
