Fox’s Janice Dean ‘Taking a Break’ To Deal With ‘Health Issues’

Fox News senior meteorologist Janice Dean — a beloved and familiar face for millions of viewers — announced this week that she is temporarily stepping away from the network as she copes with ongoing health challenges. Dean revealed the news in a heartfelt message on social media, explaining that she needed time away both from work and the public eye to focus on recovery.

“I wanted to let you all know that I’m taking a break from work (and social media) for a bit. I’m ok, but I’ve had some health issues that require rest and time to heal. My bosses at Fox have been kind and understanding, and I feel blessed to be able to take a break to be with my family. The trip to Rome with Sean was a good place to start healing spiritually, and now I have to get back to feeling healthy and strong,” Dean wrote.

“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. Grateful to you all for the kind words,” she added.

Dean, 55, has long been open about her health battles. She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2005 and publicly shared her diagnosis in 2008. Although her announcement did not specify the nature of her current medical issues, the update sparked an outpouring of support from viewers who have followed both her career and her personal journey.

“I think with every MS sufferer you have that light bulb moment that something’s not right,” she told Fox News at the time. She recalled how the demanding 2005 hurricane season left her unusually drained. “I remember it was during the 2005 hurricane season because it was such an active year, and I just felt really rundown, which isn’t like me. I’m a workaholic. I’m used to working long hours. And I remember thinking that I needed to make sure I took some time off because I was just so exhausted,” Dean added.

Dean did not say how long she plans to remain off the air or when she expects to return.

Multiple sclerosis affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves — the core components of the central nervous system. The disease damages the myelin sheath, which protects nerve cells and helps transmit signals throughout the body. As Mount Sinai explains, this damage can slow or even block nerve communication. Symptoms vary widely but often include muscle spasms, balance issues, and tingling or numbness.

There is no cure for MS, though treatments can slow disease progression and help manage symptoms.

Dean has embraced advocacy since her diagnosis, sharing her story to encourage others facing similar battles. “Almost 20 years ago I was diagnosed with an illness that has no cure,” Dean told The Post in 2023. “It also is a disease that affects people differently, and potentially could someday be debilitating. And despite the challenges I’ve faced over the years, having MS has made me stronger in ways I could never imagine. It’s important for me to share my journey so that I can maybe help someone else. That’s always been the goal, and I’ve met some really great fellow MS’ers that despite the odds against them, rise to the challenge and overcome the fear of this strange, scary disease.”

Her diagnosis came after she experienced “overwhelming fatigue, numbness in her thighs, and loss of sensation in the soles of her feet,” according to Brain & Life. Initially chalking it up to her hectic schedule as a journalist, she sought medical help only after the symptoms persisted and worsened.

Since then, Dean has become one of the nation’s most visible advocates for MS awareness — using her platform to educate others, connect with fellow patients, and inspire resilience.

Her temporary absence from Fox News underscores the importance of health, family, and faith — values Dean has long embodied both on and off the air.