The longtime Fox News meteorologist Janice Dean has announced that she is leaving Fox & Friends after 22 years because her symptoms of multiple sclerosis are worsening.
Dean Announces Fox News Exit
Dean, 56, announced this on Thursday morning in an emotional video posted to X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.
“I know so many of you have been wondering where I’ve been. Please know I’ve read your comments, prayers and words of support and kindness. It meant the world to me,” Dean wrote in the caption. “Goodbyes are hard. But they are necessary before you can meet again…”
“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 said in the video. “Getting up at 2:30 in the morning and performing anything is hard, but especially for someone who has multiple sclerosis.”
“For those living with MS, the war is inside of us,” she continued. “We may look fine, but our immune system is attacking the brain, the spinal cord and sometimes, the optic nerve. We’re left with permanent scars, but ones you can only see on MRI imaging.”
Dean Doubles Down
Dean went on to say that she was “thankfully” diagnosed early and had been on “different therapies” for the last 20 years. Over time, however, her symptoms have worsened.
“Ultimately, my symptoms progressed to the point that I can no longer continue working in my role,” Dean said. “My doctors agreed that stepping away was necessary for my health.”
“There are so many things I’ll miss,” she continued. “The friends I met, of course, the places I’ve visited, the storms I’ve covered and the millions of viewers who have invited me into their homes every morning. Through the good times and the bad, the dark clouds and the sunshine, you’ve always been there for me.”
“But I know how lucky I was and that’s why it’s so hard to finally say the words,” Dean concluded. “So maybe I’ll call this my ‘mostly sunny goodbye,’ because for every goodbye, there’s always the next hello and maybe the chance to meet again one day, in a different place, at another time.”
Check out Dean’s full goodbye video below.
Fox News Honors Dean
FOX News Media also issued a statement to People Magazine honoring Dean.
“Throughout her 22-year career with FOX News Media, Janice Dean has inspired viewers with her warmth, resilience and dedication,” the statement read. “Her willingness to share her personal journeys has touched countless lives and served as a source of strength and encouragement to many. 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.”
Dean had announced back in November that she was taking a break from work and social media “for a bit” due to health issues. At the time, she insisted that she would “be back” before thanking fans for their support. Dean had previously said in October of 2024 that her 2005 MS diagnosis was “the shock of a lifetime.” She added that she was worried she “wouldn’t be able to do my job at Fox.”
“If you see somebody who’s doing something, even though they might be dealing with something else, you feel hopeful, right?” Dean said in 2024. “I’ve heard people say, ‘I see you on TV with a big smile on your face, and that makes me feel that I can do it too.’ That’s really powerful. Sometimes it’s just the one glimmer of sunshine peeking through the clouds. It’s like, ‘Okay, yeah. We can do this together.’”
This has clearly been an extremely difficult time for Dean. Please join us in saying a prayer for her as she navigates this new chapter of her life.