Janice Dean, the longtime “Fox & Friends” meteorologist beloved by viewers for her warmth and grit, announced Thursday that she is stepping away after 22 years as her battle with multiple sclerosis has made the demanding schedule too difficult to continue.
Dean shared the news in a video message posted to X, explaining that years of early mornings, live television pressure and long hours on her feet had taken a toll.
“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 a video message posted to X, adding that “getting up at 2:30 in the morning” is hard “especially for someone who has multiple sclerosis.”
The Fox News favorite said her symptoms have worsened over time and that doctors advised her to step away for the sake of her health.
“Ultimately, my symptoms progressed to the point that I can no longer continue working in my role, and my doctors agreed that stepping away was necessary for my health,” she said.
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.
Goodbyes are hard. But they are necessary before you can meet again…
Love,
JD ☀️
 pic.twitter.com/S3moZdN5HN— Janice Dean (@JaniceDean) June 25, 2026
Dean has long been open with viewers about her MS diagnosis and has used her platform to speak candidly about life with the disease.
“Thankfully, I was diagnosed early, and I’ve been on different therapies for over the last two decades,” Dean said.
“But there’s no cure for MS, and over time, my symptoms have progressed.”
Dean described the announcement as her “mostly sunny goodbye,” a fitting signoff for the meteorologist who spent more than two decades helping Americans start their mornings.
She also struck an optimistic note as she looked ahead.
“For every goodbye, there’s always the next hello.”
Dean’s departure marks the end of a major chapter for “Fox & Friends,” where she became a familiar and trusted presence for viewers across the country.
Her health struggles did not stop her from building a long career at the network, writing books and becoming one of Fox’s most recognizable personalities.
For loyal Fox viewers, Dean’s exit is more than a staffing change. It is the farewell of a morning television staple who brought forecasts, honesty and heart to the screen for more than two decades.
