Fox News senior meteorologist Janice Dean, one of the network’s most recognizable and beloved on-air personalities, has announced she is taking a temporary leave from broadcast duties. Dean revealed the update in a heartfelt social media post, telling fans she would be stepping away not only from television, but also from social media, to rest and address ongoing health issues that require time and recovery.
Her announcement immediately sparked an outpouring of support from viewers who have followed her for more than two decades. Though Dean did not specify the exact nature of her current health challenges, she assured her audience that she is “okay” and that her break is necessary for healing.
A Personal Message to Viewers: “I Owe You an Explanation”
Dean explained her situation directly and transparently — something many fans have long appreciated about her public presence.
“I wanted to let you all know that I’m taking a break from work (and social media) for a bit,” she wrote. “I’m ok, but I’ve had some health issues that require rest and time to heal.”
She said her managers and colleagues at Fox News have been “kind and understanding” and emphasized how grateful she feels to have support in stepping back from her daily workload.
“The trip to Rome with Sean was a good place to start healing spiritually,” she added, referencing her husband Sean Newman. “Now I have to get back to feeling healthy and strong.”
Dean also thanked viewers for their messages of encouragement and promised she would return once she has recovered.
“I’ve always been up front and honest about my life, and I felt I owed you an explanation of my absence. But, I will be back. Grateful to you all for the kind words.”
A Long Public Battle With Multiple Sclerosis
While Dean didn’t specify whether her current break is related to multiple sclerosis (MS), she has long been open about her diagnosis and her experience managing the disease.
Dean was first diagnosed in 2005 at age 35, though she didn’t share the news publicly until 2008. At the time, she described a sudden and unfamiliar set of symptoms that made her realize something wasn’t right.
“I think with every MS sufferer you have that light bulb moment that something’s not right,” she once told Fox News.
It was during the 2005 hurricane season — one of the busiest on record — that she began feeling overwhelming exhaustion, numbness, and troubling physical changes.
“I just felt really rundown, which isn’t like me,” she said. “I’m a workaholic. I’m used to working long hours. And I remember thinking that I needed to make sure I took some time off because I was just so exhausted.”
But the symptoms didn’t go away. Eventually, Dean sought medical attention, which led to her MS diagnosis.
According to Brain & Life, she initially experienced fatigue, numbness in her thighs, and a loss of sensation in the soles of her feet. A neurologist confirmed the diagnosis — one that permanently altered her life but didn’t slow her down.
What MS Is — and Why Dean’s Experience Resonates
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune neurological disease that affects the central nervous system — the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. It damages the myelin sheath, the protective coating that insulates nerve fibers and helps signals travel smoothly and efficiently.
When that protection deteriorates, the brain’s communication network becomes disrupted. This can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including:
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Severe fatigue
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Problems with balance
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Muscle spasms
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Tingling or numbness
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Visual disturbances
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Difficulty walking
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Cognitive changes
There is currently no cure for MS. However, medication, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments can help many patients manage symptoms or slow the progression of the disease.
Dean has been outspoken about staying active, advocating for herself medically, and maintaining a positive outlook despite the uncertain nature of MS.
“Almost 20 years ago I was diagnosed with an illness that has no cure,” she told The New York Post in 2023. “And despite the challenges I’ve faced over the years, having MS has made me stronger in ways I could never imagine.”
A Voice and Advocate for the MS Community
Since going public with her diagnosis, Dean has used her platform to support others living with MS. She regularly highlights developments in treatment, shares personal updates, and connects with viewers who face similar struggles.
“It’s important for me to share my journey so that I can maybe help someone else,” she said. “That’s always been the goal.”
Dean has frequently emphasized how unpredictable the disease can be — something that makes her message of perseverance resonate deeply with viewers.
She has been featured in health publications, spoken at advocacy events, and consistently encouraged early screening, second opinions, and mental resilience for those navigating chronic illness.
A Familiar Face Missing From Fox & Friends
Janice Dean’s absence from Fox & Friends — where she has appeared for years as the network’s senior meteorologist — is noticeable for millions of regular viewers. Known for her upbeat personality, humor, and ability to explain complex weather events with clarity, Dean has long been one of Fox’s most trusted and loved voices.
She has covered hurricanes, wildfires, blizzards, and disasters of all kinds. Her presence blends expertise with warmth — something her colleagues frequently mention when discussing her impact.
Fox executives have not commented beyond Dean’s own statement, but insiders told media outlets that the network is fully supportive and prioritizing her health.
Healing, Rest, and Family: Dean’s Next Chapter
Dean hinted that her recent trip to Rome with her husband was part of a larger effort to reset emotionally and spiritually — a first step in healing before focusing on physical recovery.
Fans responded to her announcement with messages of love, prayers, and encouragement, reflecting just how deeply she is appreciated beyond her on-air role.
Many credited her openness about MS with giving them strength, whether they are battling chronic illness themselves or caring for family members who are.
No Timeline Yet for Her Return
Fox News and Dean herself have not provided a timeline for her return, leaving her comeback date open-ended. For now, Dean says she is prioritizing her health, rest, and time with her family.
“I felt I owed you an explanation,” she wrote, “but I will be back.”
Her message has reassured viewers that this is a pause — not a farewell — and that her long career at Fox will continue once she’s fully healed.
A Career Defined by Strength and Transparency
In an industry where personalities often keep health battles private, Janice Dean has always chosen honesty. Her candidness about MS, her advocacy for others suffering from chronic illness, and her willingness to speak openly about personal hardship have made her an inspiration to many.
Her decision to step back now is consistent with that same transparency — a choice to prioritize long-term health rather than push through symptoms.
For the millions of viewers who’ve welcomed her into their homes each morning, Dean’s message is both reassuring and humbling: even the strongest among us need rest, and recovery is a process worth honoring.
Sarah Mitchell is a bestselling novelist recognized for her insightful and emotionally resonant stories that explore the complexities of human relationships. Originally from Denver, Colorado, Sarah grew up in a family of teachers who nurtured her curiosity and love for storytelling. She studied psychology at Stanford University, where she became fascinated by the intricacies of human behavior—an interest that would later shape her writing career. Sarah’s novels are praised for their nuanced characters, intricate plots, and ability to capture the subtle tensions that define love, friendship, and family ties. Her breakthrough novel, The Spaces Between Us, became an instant bestseller, lauded for its honest portrayal of strained family relationships and the fragile bonds that hold people together. Since then, she has published several works that continue to captivate audiences around the world. Outside of her writing career, Sarah is passionate about mental health advocacy and often partners with organizations to promote awareness and support for those struggling with emotional well-being. Her personal life is quieter—she enjoys hiking in the Colorado mountains, practicing yoga, and spending time with close friends. With each new book, Sarah Mitchell cements her reputation as a writer who illuminates the beauty and struggles of human connection.
