Fox News senior meteorologist Janice Dean recently announced that she is taking a temporary leave of absence from the network to address ongoing health issues. In a message shared with her followers on social media, Dean explained that she has stepped back from both her on-air responsibilities and her online presence to focus on rest, recovery, and overall healing. She emphasized that this decision was not taken lightly but was necessary to manage her health properly. Dean also noted that Fox News leadership has been fully supportive of her need for time away, reassuring her that her well-being comes first. Her announcement quickly prompted an outpouring of encouragement from viewers who have followed her career for years.

Dean’s message stressed the importance of transparency with her audience, many of whom noticed her unexplained absence from Fox & Friends, where she appears regularly. She shared that she feels fortunate to be able to step back and prioritize her health while spending more meaningful time with her family. According to her social media updates, a recent trip to Rome with her husband played a significant role in helping her reconnect emotionally and spiritually, giving her a sense of peace she needed during a difficult period. Dean expressed gratitude for that time away and said it helped her recognize that she must slow down and concentrate on feeling healthy and strong moving forward.

Despite the seriousness of her situation, Dean assured her followers that she fully intends to return to her work at Fox News when she feels ready. She thanked her supporters for their kind words, prayers, and messages of concern, saying that the warmth from her audience has already been instrumental in her healing process. While Dean has historically been open about her medical journey, she chose not to disclose the specific nature of her current health issues in this announcement. She also did not provide a timeframe for her return, suggesting that her recovery will dictate the pace rather than any external expectations. For many fans, her thoughtful message offered both reassurance and a reminder of the personal challenges public figures often navigate privately.

Dean’s current break comes in the context of her long and well-documented history with multiple sclerosis (MS), a condition she was diagnosed with in 2005 and publicly revealed three years later. In previous interviews, she reflected on the first symptoms that signaled something was amiss—most notably debilitating fatigue during the demanding 2005 hurricane season. At first, she attributed the exhaustion to overwork, common in her fast-paced profession. Yet when the fatigue persisted long after the season ended, further medical testing led to her diagnosis. The revelation changed her life dramatically, forcing her to confront the reality of a chronic neurological disease while maintaining a high-visibility media career.

Multiple sclerosis is a complex disorder that affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves, creating a broad range of possible symptoms depending on which nerves are impacted. MS damages the protective myelin sheath that surrounds nerve cells, disrupting the signals that allow the brain and body to communicate. This interference can result in muscle spasms, weakness, balance issues, chronic fatigue, tingling sensations, or vision problems, among many other symptoms. While there is currently no cure for MS, modern treatments—including disease-modifying medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle adjustments—can help slow its progression and improve quality of life. Dean has spoken in the past about navigating these treatments while managing the demands of her job and personal life.

Over the years, Janice Dean has become not only a well-known meteorologist but also a prominent voice within the MS community. Her willingness to share her experience publicly has helped reduce stigma surrounding chronic illness and has provided support for thousands of patients who see themselves reflected in her journey. Dean has connected personally with other MS patients, advocated for better understanding of the disease, and spoken openly about both her struggles and her triumphs. Her message has consistently been one of resilience—acknowledging the difficulties of MS while emphasizing the strength, perspective, and purpose it has brought into her life. Her temporary departure from Fox News, though concerning to many fans, aligns with the realistic, self-aware approach she has always taken toward managing her health.

As she focuses on healing, Dean’s supporters, colleagues, and viewers continue to send well-wishes, expressing hope for her recovery and looking forward to her return when she is ready. Her openness serves as a reminder that chronic conditions often require periods of rest and recalibration, especially for those balancing high-pressure public roles. For now, Dean’s priority is to regain strength with the support of her family and her medical team, trusting that stepping back temporarily is the best way to ensure her long-term health. Her journey remains an inspiring example of courage, vulnerability, and dedication—qualities that have endeared her to audiences far beyond her work in weather reporting.