For more than two decades, Janice Dean has been one of the familiar faces greeting early risers on Fox & Friends. Rain or shine, blizzards or hurricanes, she showed up before most Americans had even poured their first cup of coffee. Now, after 22 years with Fox News, she’s saying goodbye—and the reason behind that decision is one many viewers will immediately understand.
Dean announced Thursday that she is stepping away from her role as the network’s senior meteorologist because her multiple sclerosis has progressed to the point where the demands of live morning television are simply too much.
In a heartfelt video shared on X, Dean explained that while she has managed the disease for years, the schedule eventually caught up with her.
“For a long time, I was able to handle the early mornings, the many hours on my feet, and the stress of broadcasting live,” she said. But waking up at 2:30 every morning, she added, is difficult “especially for someone who has multiple sclerosis.”
That wasn’t an easy realization to come to.
“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,” Dean told viewers.
Her announcement wasn’t dramatic or emotional for the sake of television. It was practical, honest, and deeply personal. Dean has been open about her MS diagnosis for years, often using her platform to raise awareness about the disease and encourage others living with chronic illnesses.
She reflected on that journey during her farewell.
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
“Thankfully, I was diagnosed early, and I’ve been on different therapies for over the last two decades,” she said. “But there’s no cure for MS, and over time, my symptoms have progressed.”
Even as she announced her departure, Dean managed to inject the optimism that has become one of her trademarks.
She called the announcement her “mostly sunny goodbye,” before adding a line that perfectly captured her outlook: “For every goodbye, there’s always the next hello.”
Fox News responded with a statement praising Dean’s long career and the impact she has had on both viewers and colleagues.
“Throughout her 22-year career with Fox News Media, Janice Dean has inspired viewers with her warmth, resilience, and dedication,” a network spokesperson said. “Her willingness to share her personal journeys has touched countless lives and served as a source of strength and encouragement to many.”
The network also expressed full support for her decision to step away, thanking her for her years of service and many contributions.
Dean’s announcement also serves as a reminder of how unpredictable multiple sclerosis can be.
Dr. Saud Sadiq, chief research scientist at the Tisch MS Research Center of New York and founder of the International Multiple Sclerosis Management Practice, explained that the disease affects each patient differently.
“MS can affect cognition, fatigue, mobility, vision, and speech,” Sadiq said. “For some people, these symptoms are well-managed and have minimal impact on their work. For others, particularly as the disease progresses, the cumulative burden can become more significant.”
He emphasized that every person’s experience is unique.
“That calculus is deeply personal and depends on disease course, treatment response, and a host of other individual factors,” he explained.
Sadiq also cautioned against making assumptions about what someone with multiple sclerosis can or cannot do.
“What I would caution against is making assumptions in either direction—about what someone with MS can or cannot do—based on a diagnosis alone,” he said.
