Janice Dean from ‘Fox & Friends’ is stepping away from the network while she deals with health problems.

Janice Dean Announces Hiatus for Health Reasons

Janice Dean, a senior meteorologist at Fox News and host of “Fox & Friends,” shared on Wednesday that she will be taking a break from her role to focus on health issues that require her to “rest and heal.”

At 55, Dean, who has been living with multiple sclerosis since 2005, also mentioned she will step back from social media during this time.

In her Facebook post, she explained, “I wanted to let everyone know that I will be taking a short break from work (and social media). I’m okay, but I have some health issues and need time to rest and heal. My bosses at Fox have been kind and understanding, and I feel lucky to spend this time with my family.”

She reflected on her recent trip to Rome with a friend as a positive step toward her spiritual healing, expressing gratitude for her audience’s kind thoughts. “I’ve always been open and honest about my life and felt it was necessary to explain my absence,” she added. “But I will be back. Thank you to everyone for your support.”

While Dean did not specify the duration of her leave or the exact health issues she is facing, she did thank her fans for their immense kindness. “You guys made me cry! (That’s a good cry!),” she noted, assuring, “I promise to get plenty of rest and take care of myself.”

Dean joined Fox News in 2004, just before her MS diagnosis, which affects the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms can vary widely, from loss of balance to muscle spasms.

Despite the challenges of MS, Dean has spoken about how it has shaped her resilience. “About 20 years ago, I was diagnosed with a disease for which there was no cure,” she said. “It affects everyone differently and, at times, can be debilitating. Yet, it has made me stronger in ways I never imagined.” She emphasized the importance of sharing her journey and connecting with others in the MS community, expressing her commitment to helping others navigate their experiences.

Initially, Dean dismissed her symptoms—including extreme fatigue and numbness—as stress from her busy career. However, persistent issues led her to consult a neurologist, eventually resulting in her diagnosis. Since then, she has become an advocate for the MS community, frequently sharing her experience and connecting with others who manage the disease.