The Beacon Needs a Breather: Meteorologist Janice Dean Steps Away From Fox & Friends Amid New Health Storm—A Heartfelt Promise to Return

November 22, 2025 — For years, Janice Dean has been one of the most recognizable faces in cable news. The senior meteorologist, whose warm presence, steady reporting, and signature optimism have made her a staple on Fox & Friends, has been a comforting voice for millions of viewers across the country.

This week, however, Dean surprised her audience with a deeply personal announcement: she is stepping away from the network temporarily to focus on her health.

A Vulnerable Message That Went Viral

The news was not delivered via a formal press release or an on-air farewell, but through a candid and heartfelt message she shared directly with fans on social media. It was honest, vulnerable, and unmistakably Janice.

“I wanted to let you all know that I’m taking a break from work (and social media) for a bit,” she wrote. “I’m ok, but I’ve had some health issues that require rest and time to heal.”

For many longtime viewers, the update served as a sobering reminder of a battle Dean has quietly fought for nearly two decades.

In 2005, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic autoimmune condition that affects the central nervous system.

Despite the relentless challenges that accompany MS—fatigue, pain, mobility issues, and unpredictable flare-ups—Dean has continued to work, raise a family, and remain openly transparent about her journey.

Her unwavering willingness to talk publicly about living with MS has been a powerful source of inspiration for countless individuals navigating the same diagnosis. This new development, however, necessitates a well-deserved pause.

A Break Rooted in Honesty and Self-Care

Dean’s announcement powerfully emphasized the necessity of recovery—not only physical, but emotional and spiritual as well.

She revealed that a recent restorative trip to Rome with her husband, Sean Newman, had provided the clarity needed to reflect, reset, and acknowledge her need for deeper healing.

“The trip to Rome with Sean was a good place to start healing spiritually,” she wrote. “And now I have to get back to feeling healthy and strong.”

The simplicity and directness of her words struck a chord with readers. There was no dramatization, no attempt to minimize the severity of what she was facing. Just the raw, accessible truth that viewers have come to rely on and love.

Crucially, she made it clear that this is a temporary move, not an indefinite retreat.

“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.”

Overwhelming Support From Fox News and Viewers

Dean expressed profound gratitude for the understanding and compassion she immediately received from her colleagues and the network’s leadership team. “My bosses at Fox have been kind and understanding,” she wrote. “I feel blessed to be able to take a break to be with my family.”

In the high-pressure world of cable news—where on-air personalities often juggle grueling early call times, demanding schedules, and constant public attention—taking time off is a major decision. For a personality like Dean, whose job requires daily energy and constant presence, stepping away is a meaningful commitment to long-term well-being.

Within minutes of her post, thousands of heartfelt comments from supporters flooded her feed. Some shared their own personal experiences with MS. Others simply thanked her for her transparency. The overwhelming majority expressed deep admiration for her resilience and wished her strength in the weeks ahead.

A Journey of Transparency

Throughout her distinguished career, Dean has championed openness over secrecy. She has consistently spoken publicly about the unpredictable nature of living with MS, often reminding others that invisible illnesses are just as real—and just as challenging—as those more easily seen.

Her public health updates have never been delivered to elicit sympathy, but rather to forge genuine connection, foster wider understanding, and advocate for others who feel overlooked.

This latest message firmly continues that tradition. It is not merely a personal announcement—it is a powerful reminder of the importance of acknowledging limits, listening intently to one’s body, and actively allowing space for healing.

Looking Ahead

Though she has not provided a strict timeline for her anticipated return, Dean reassured her dedicated fans that this is a temporary pause, not a definitive goodbye. For now, her focus is squarely on recovery, rest, and spending valuable time with the people who matter most.

Her closing words perfectly captured the spirit of her message—hopeful, grateful, and profoundly human:

“Grateful to you all for the kind words.”

As she takes this necessary and well-deserved break, viewers across the country are sending their support, reminding her of the very message she has championed for so many others: true strength is not always found in pushing through. Sometimes, it is found in the courage to step back, heal, and allow the next triumphant chapter to arrive in its own time.

When she returns to the screen, she will do so on her own terms—rested, renewed, and ready.