Janice Dean, a veteran meteorologist on Fox News’ flagship morning show “Fox & Friends,” is leaving after 22 years due to health issues.
Dean, diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, has been absent from the airwaves for several months. In a video shared on X, she disclosed that her symptoms have “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.”
“For a long time, I was able to handle the early mornings, the many hours on my feet, and the stress of broadcasting live,” Dean stated. “Getting up at 2:30 in the morning and performing anything is hard, but especially for someone who has multiple sclerosis.”
She elaborated on the internal struggle faced by those with MS: “For those living with MS, the war is inside of us. We may look fine but our immune system is attacking the brain, the spinal cord and sometimes the optic nerve. We are left with permanent scars, but ones you can only see on MRI imaging.”
Dean expressed gratitude for her early diagnosis and the various therapies she has undergone over the last two decades. However, she emphasized that “there’s no cure for MS and, over time, my symptoms have progressed.”
“Unfortunately, lack of sleep and stress are some of the biggest triggers and I was increasingly feeling the effects of my limitations,” she noted.
She reflected on her time at Fox News, stating she will miss “so many things” about her role, particularly meeting viewers in person.
Fox News Media acknowledged Dean’s contributions, praising her “warmth, resilience, and dedication” and highlighting how her personal journey has inspired many.
Colleagues expressed their support following her announcement. John Roberts remarked: “This is such sad news. JD - you have been a part of our Fox family for as long as I can remember. You will be missed more than you can ever know....”
Jessica Tarlov added: “Courageous is right. You’ve been missed and will always be. You are one of the warmest and most genuine people I’ve ever known. Happy that you’ll be taking better care of yourself for those beautiful boys and know it’s the right thing to do.”
Martha MacCallum stated: “You are so loved, Janice. And missed here every day. I’ll never forget when we shared a closet as an office in our early days at Fox. You are such an inspiration to all of us. An example of courage and grace and always Mostly Sunny.”
