NEW YORK — Janice Dean, the familiar face on “Fox & Friends” and a veteran meteorologist, announced she will be taking a pause from her broadcasting duties and social media presence due to health concerns that necessitate a period of rest and recovery. The news, shared on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, has drawn support and well-wishes from fans and colleagues alike. Dean, 55, who has been with Fox News since 2004, is stepping away to deal with undisclosed health issues.
Dean relayed her decision via Facebook, expressing gratitude for the support from her Fox News team and emphasizing the importance of focusing on her health and family during this time. Without delving into the specifics of her health concerns, she assured her followers that she was receiving excellent care and would return once she felt stronger.
This isn’t the first time Dean has navigated health challenges; she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2005. Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is an autoimmune disease that impacts the central nervous system, potentially affecting vision, balance, muscle control, and other basic body functions. Despite there being no cure, treatments exist that can help manage symptoms and alter the course of the disease.
Dean’s battle with MS has been public, as she often shares her experiences and the realities of living with a chronic condition. Her openness has made her a key figure in the MS community and an advocate for awareness and research funding. Recently, Dean returned from a trip to Rome, which she described as a spiritually rejuvenating experience with her husband, Sean Newman.
Before her diagnosis, Dean attributed the early signs of MS, such as extreme fatigue and numb sensations in her legs, to her rigorous work schedule. It was only after these symptoms persisted that she sought medical advice which led to her diagnosis. She has since been managing her condition with regular treatments, including biannual IV infusions designed to stave off flare-ups of disease symptoms.
Dean’s announcement elicited a wave of support from viewers, highlighting her strong connection with her audience developed over nearly two decades at Fox News. Her colleagues, including Neil Cavuto, who also battles MS, have been a source of personal and professional support.
Fox News has expressed unwavering support for Dean, affirming that her job will await her return, reflecting the network’s appreciation and respect for her long tenure and dedication.
Married to Sean Newman, a New York City firefighter, and a mother to two sons, Dean cites her family as her core support system. This break will give her much-needed time to focus on her health and enjoy being with her loved ones.
Through her transparency and resilience, Dean continues to inspire those living with chronic illnesses, proving it is possible to maintain a successful and influential career while managing a serious health condition. For now, her focus is on healing and rejuvenation, with plans to return to her role as a beloved meteorologist and host once she is ready.