Fox News Meteorologist Janice Dean Takes Health Break

Janice Dean, the beloved senior meteorologist and “Fox & Friends” host, recently announced she’s stepping away from Fox News temporarily to focus on her health. In a heartfelt message to her followers on Facebook, the 55-year-old weather anchor explained her need for rest and healing time. Dean, who has lived with multiple sclerosis since her diagnosis in 2005, didn’t specify the exact nature of her current health challenges or how long she’ll be away from the network, but she assured fans she would return after taking necessary time to recover.

“I’m ok, but I’ve had some health issues that require rest and time to heal,” Dean wrote in her social media announcement. She expressed gratitude toward Fox News executives for their understanding and support during this difficult period. Dean also mentioned that a recent trip to Rome with her husband Sean had been spiritually healing, providing a good foundation as she now focuses on her physical wellbeing. Her transparency has always been a hallmark of her public persona, as she noted, “I’ve always been up front and honest about my life, and I felt I owed you an explanation of my absence.” The meteorologist is also taking a break from social media during her recovery period but promised her followers, “I will be back.”

Dean has been a familiar face at Fox News since joining the network in 2004, just one year before she received her multiple sclerosis diagnosis. Her nearly two-decade journey with MS has been marked by openness about the challenges she faces. In a 2023 interview with The Post, Dean reflected on living with the condition: “Almost 20 years ago I was diagnosed with an illness that has no cure. It also is a disease that affects people differently, and potentially could someday be debilitating. And despite the challenges I’ve faced over the years, having MS has made me stronger in ways I could never imagine.” Her decision to share her health struggles publicly has been intentional, as she explained, “It’s important for me to share my journey so that I can maybe help someone else.”

The path to Dean’s diagnosis began with symptoms she initially attributed to her demanding work schedule as a journalist. According to Brain & Life magazine, she experienced “overwhelming fatigue, numbness in her thighs, and loss of sensation in the soles of her feet.” When these symptoms persisted, she sought medical attention and was eventually referred to a neurologist who diagnosed her with multiple sclerosis. MS is a complex neurological disease that affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves—collectively known as the central nervous system. The condition damages the myelin sheath, the protective coating surrounding nerve cells, which can disrupt nerve signals throughout the body. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society explains that symptoms vary widely from person to person but commonly include problems with balance, muscle spasms, and tingling sensations in the extremities.

Though multiple sclerosis has no cure, various treatments can help manage symptoms and slow disease progression. Modern approaches typically combine medications with therapeutic strategies tailored to each patient’s specific symptoms and needs. Dean has become a prominent advocate within the MS community over the years, using her platform to raise awareness about the condition and connect with others facing similar challenges. Her willingness to discuss her personal experiences has made her not just a weather forecaster but also a source of inspiration for many living with chronic health conditions.

The response to Dean’s announcement has been overwhelmingly supportive, with fans flooding her social media with well-wishes. She expressed her gratitude in a follow-up comment, writing, “You guys made me cry! (A good cry!) I promise to get lots of rest and take good care of myself. I appreciate all these beautiful words.” This outpouring of support demonstrates the connection Dean has built with her audience through years of being not just a television personality, but someone willing to share her vulnerabilities. As she takes this necessary time away from the camera to focus on her health, both colleagues and viewers alike await her return, sending healing thoughts her way during this period of rest and recovery.