Fox News star and “Fox and Friends” senior meteorologist Janice Dean announced Tuesday she is taking a leave of absence from the network to focus on health issues that require rest and time to heal.
Dean, who has appeared regularly on “Fox and Friends” and Fox Weather since joining the network in 2004, shared the news in a social media post.
“I wanted to let you all know that I’m taking a break from work (and social media) for a bit. I’m ok, but I’ve had some health issues that require rest and time to heal,” Dean said. “My bosses at Fox have been kind and understanding, and I feel blessed to be able to take a break to be with my family.”
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I wanted to let you all know that I’m taking a break from work (and social media) for a bit. I’m ok, but I’ve had some health issues that require rest and time to heal. My bosses at Fox have been kind and understanding, and I feel blessed to be able to take a… pic.twitter.com/fkLM5R6I0U
— Janice Dean (@JaniceDean) November 12, 2025
Dean did not disclose her exact health issues. She was reportedly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2005 and has been open about her ongoing battle with the disease.
Multiple sclerosis causes breakdown of the protective covering of nerves and can result in numbness, weakness, trouble walking, vision changes and other symptoms, according to Mayo Clinic. Dean undergoes IV infusion treatments every six months to minimize flare-ups and experiences periods of both MS flare-ups and remission.
“I could wake up one day and not be able to walk,” Dean told People Magazine in 2024. “That’s just the craziness of this disease. So, every day that I’m able to get up and walk is something I’m truly grateful for.”
Dean said she began her rest and recovery with a recent trip to Rome with her husband Sean, but needed more time.
“The trip to Rome with Sean was a good place to start healing spiritually, and now I have to get back to feeling healthy and strong,” Dean said.
“I’ve always been up front and honest about my life, and I felt I owed you an explanation of my absence. But, I will be back. Grateful to you all for the kind words,” Dean said.
Dean previously took a two-month absence from television in 2017 after undergoing a cosmetic procedure that went wrong. She had a fractora laser skin rejuvenation treatment on her neck that was supposed to require only five days of recovery. Dean experienced nerve injury complications that affected her ability to speak properly and smile. It took more than two months for her to recover and return to air.
Dean has worked in radio and television in both Canada and the United States, including stints as a morning show co-host, traffic reporter and weather host before joining Fox News.