NEW YORK — Veteran Fox News meteorologist Janice Dean announced Thursday that she is stepping away from the network after 22 years, saying the progression of her multiple sclerosis has made it impossible to continue the demanding schedule required for her longtime role on “Fox & Friends.”
Dean shared the news in an emotional video posted to social media, explaining that worsening symptoms of the chronic neurological disease, combined with the physical toll of live morning television, led both her and her doctors to conclude that it was time to leave.
‘My Symptoms Progressed’
Dean, who has been with Fox News since 2004, said she spent years managing the demands of early-morning broadcasting despite living with multiple sclerosis.
“For a long time, I was able to handle the early mornings, the many hours on my feet, and the stress of broadcasting live,” she said.
She explained that waking up around 2:30 a.m. each day became increasingly difficult as her condition worsened.
“Ultimately, my symptoms 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 said.
Dean was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2005, about a year after joining Fox News. She said she has undergone numerous therapies over the past two decades but acknowledged that there is currently no cure for the disease.
A Familiar Face on Fox
During her more than two decades at the network, Dean became one of Fox News’ most recognizable personalities as the longtime weather anchor on “Fox & Friends.”
She covered major hurricanes, blizzards, tornado outbreaks, and other severe weather events while also becoming a frequent contributor across Fox News Media platforms.
Beyond television, Dean authored several books, including her memoir “Mostly Sunny: How I Learned to Keep Smiling Through the Rainiest Days,” which chronicled her experience living with multiple sclerosis and encouraged others facing health challenges.
Health Battle Became Increasingly Difficult
Dean said stress and sleep deprivation — both common triggers for MS flare-ups — had become increasingly difficult to manage.
She previously took a leave of absence from Fox News in late 2025 to focus on her health, expressing hope at the time that she would eventually return.
Instead, after consulting with her physicians, she decided retirement from her on-air role was the best course for her long-term well-being.
Fox News Pays Tribute
Fox News praised Dean following her announcement, thanking her for more than two decades of service.
“Throughout her 22-year career with Fox News Media, Janice Dean has inspired viewers with her warmth, resilience, and dedication,” the network said in a statement.
“We fully support Janice’s courageous decision to step away from her role as senior meteorologist on ‘Fox & Friends’ and are grateful for her many contributions.”
Current and former colleagues also shared messages of support, praising Dean for her optimism, professionalism, and advocacy on behalf of people living with multiple sclerosis.
An Emotional Goodbye
Despite the difficult announcement, Dean ended her farewell on an optimistic note.
Calling her departure “my mostly sunny goodbye,” she thanked viewers for welcoming her into their homes every morning and expressed confidence that another chapter lies ahead.
“For every goodbye,” she said, “there’s always the next hello.”
While Dean did not announce specific future plans, she indicated she intends to focus on her health, spend more time with her family, and continue advocating for people living with multiple sclerosis.
Her departure closes the chapter on a 22-year run that made her one of the longest-serving and most familiar personalities on Fox News’ morning programming.
READ NEXT: Small Plane Slams Into Landmark In China’s Capital
