Janice Dean, Fox News senior meteorologist and 'Fox & Friends' co-host, announced Wednesday that she will be stepping away from the network for a while to focus on her health, taking the necessary time to rest and recover.
The 55-year-old veteran weather anchor, who has been living with multiple sclerosis since her 2005 diagnosis, also announced that she’ll be stepping away from social media for the time being.
“I wanted to let you all know that I’m taking a break from work (and social media) for a bit,” she wrote on Facebook.
“I’m ok, but I’ve had some health issues that require rest and time to heal. 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 continued.
Janice Dean, Fox News senior meteorologist and 'Fox & Friends' co-host, announced Wednesday that she’ll be taking a break from the network to focus on her health. Getty Images
“The trip to Rome with [husband] Sean was a good place to start healing spiritually, and now I have to get back to feeling healthy and strong. 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.”
Dean hasn’t shared how long her break from Fox News will last, nor has she disclosed the exact health issues she’s dealing with, leaving fans concerned and eager for updates.
In a follow-up comment on her post, she poured out her gratitude to fans for their "incredible kindness and support." "You guys made me cry! (A good cry!)," she shared, leaving many touched by her heartfelt reaction.
"I promise to get lots of rest and take good care of myself. I appreciate all these beautiful words." Dean wrote. She first joined Fox News in 2004, just a year before her multiple sclerosis diagnosis.
According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, this neurological disease attacks the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves—the key components of the central nervous system.
Mount Sinai explains that the disease attacks the myelin sheath—the protective layer around nerve cells—slowing or even blocking the transmission of nerve signals.
instagram/janicedeanfnc
Symptoms can differ widely from person to person, often including loss of balance, muscle spasms, and tingling in the arms and legs—but that’s just the beginning.
Although there’s no cure for MS, treatments—including medication and therapy—can help control symptoms and slow the disease’s progression.
“Almost 20 years ago I was diagnosed with an illness that has no cure,” Dean told The Post back in 2023.
“It also is a disease that affects people differently, and potentially could someday be debilitating. And despite the challenges I’ve faced over the years, having MS has made me stronger in ways I could never imagine. It’s important for me to share my journey so that I can maybe help someone else. That’s always been the goal, and I’ve met some really great fellow MS’ers that despite the odds against them, rise to the challenge and overcome the fear of this strange, scary disease.”
According to Brain & Life, she received her diagnosis after experiencing "overwhelming fatigue, numbness in her thighs, and loss of sensation in the soles of her feet."
At first, she blamed her exhausting work schedule as a journalist, but when the symptoms persisted, she finally saw a doctor—who then referred her to a neurologist.
Since her diagnosis, Dean has become a passionate advocate in the MS community, reaching out to others living with the disease and openly sharing her own journey.
