Janice Dean steps away from Fox & Friends after 22 years

Janice Dean, the veteran meteorologist on Fox News’ “Fox & Friends,” announced Thursday that she is stepping away from the weather desk after 22 years for health reasons. Dean, who has multiple sclerosis and has been off the air for several months, said in a v

Janice Dean knew the decision would be hard—but the timing of it landed with a particular kind of finality.

In a 3-minute video posted on X on Thursday. the longtime meteorologist for Fox News’ flagship morning show “Fox & Friends” said she is stepping away from the weather desk after 22 years. She has multiple sclerosis and has been off the air for several months. but the message was clear: her symptoms have now progressed to the point where she can no longer continue working in her role.

“Getting up at 2:30 in the morning and performing anything is hard, but especially for someone who has multiple sclerosis,” Dean said, describing what it takes to sustain the early-morning routine she once handled while pushing through live broadcasts.

In the video, Dean said her doctors agreed that stepping away was necessary for her health. She also addressed the reaction she’d been hearing from viewers while she’s been away. writing that she had read their comments. prayers. and words of support and kindness. “Goodbyes are hard. ” she wrote in the post. “but they are necessary before you can meet again…Love. JD.” The post was dated June 25. 2026.

Her announcement wasn’t only about a schedule changing. It was a direct account of what living with multiple sclerosis can feel like day to day—even when the outward appearance doesn’t match the strain underneath.

“For those living with MS, the war is inside of us,” Dean said. “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 said she was “thankfully” diagnosed early and received “different therapies for over the last two decades.” But she said there is “no cure for MS. ” and that over time her symptoms progressed. She added that “lack of sleep and stress” are among the biggest triggers. and that she had been increasingly feeling the effects of her limitations.

For many viewers, Dean’s presence has always been part of the rhythm of the morning—so when she said her “favorite part” was meeting viewers in person, it sounded less like a job description and more like a personal goodbye.

Fox News Media responded with a statement praising Dean’s “warmth, resilience, and dedication,” saying her “willingness to share her personal journeys has touched countless lives and served as a source of strength and encouragement to many.”

Colleagues also weighed in with messages of support after her announcement. John Roberts wrote: “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….” He added a note of prayer and love. Jessica Tarlov commented that Dean’s move was “right” and that she would be “taking better care of yourself for those beautiful boys.” Martha MacCallum said Dean is “so loved. ” recalling an early period when they shared an office closet. and called her “an example of courage and grace and always Mostly Sunny.”.

Dean’s departure marks the end of an on-air era—one built over 22 years of early starts. live weather coverage. and a steady willingness to talk openly about a chronic illness. In her message, the stakes weren’t abstract. They were tied to sleep. stress. and symptoms that. by her account. had progressed beyond what she could safely keep doing.

Janice Dean Fox & Friends Fox News multiple sclerosis MS meteorologist health reasons John Roberts Jessica Tarlov Martha MacCallum