After two decades on air, Janice Dean steps away from Fox News amid health concerns

Well, here’s one that’ll surprise anyone who’s kept half an eye on Fox & Friends over the years: Janice Dean, who practically became part of the furniture at Fox News, is stepping down after more than two decades. And no, it’s not some dramatic behind-the-scenes feud or classic American TV network politics. It’s health—hers, specifically.

22 Years of Early Mornings, Done In by MS

Janice Dean, officially the senior meteorologist at Fox News and basically their go-to for weather for over 22 years, has called time on the role. She let everyone know through a video on X (the site formerly known as Twitter, for those not keeping up) explaining what’s really going on: she simply couldn’t keep up with the relentless, pre-dawn starts any longer while also grappling with multiple sclerosis.

Dean talked about her history with MS in a way that’s honestly a bit sobering. She’s lived with the diagnosis for more than twenty years, and while she got lucky being diagnosed early and has been trying every available treatment since, there’s no cure. As she puts it:

'For a long time, I was able to handle the early mornings, the many hours on my feet, and the stress of broadcasting live. Getting up at 2:30 in the morning and performing anything is hard, but especially someone who has multiple sclerosis. For those living with MS, the war is inside us.'

Dean also pointed out two things that are basically poison for anyone living with MS: lack of sleep, and stress. Broadcasting live at stupid o’clock in the morning, as she’s had to do all these years, ticks both boxes repeatedly. She said her doctors unanimously agreed: it was time to put her health first and step away.

Addressing The Rumours Head-On

There’d been a lot of speculation floating around about where she’d gone, why she hadn’t been appearing as usual. Dean acknowledged it in her statement, making it clear she’d seen all the messages and support from people wondering if something was up. For anyone suspicious or just plain curious, yes, this really is about her health: there’s no ‘other’ network deal in the background.

A Long Run at Fox

• Most viewers will know Dean from Fox & Friends, where she became a staple for over two decades
• She’s also done plenty for Fox Weather, plus hosted her own podcast
• Dean’s also got a couple of books out—Mostly Sunny and Make Your Own Sunshine—because apparently squeezing more into her schedule was always an option

In what may be the least surprising move, Fox News Media put out a statement praising her 'warmth, resilience, and dedication'. It’s the sort of obligatory send-off you’d expect, but in this case, it’s hard to argue with any of it.

Dean said her goodbyes with a bit of optimism, at least: 'Goodbyes are hard. But they are necessary before you can meet again…'