Janice Dean emotionally exits 'Fox & Friends' as MS symptoms worsen

Fox News weather presenter Janice Dean is stepping away from her role on "Fox & Friends" amid her lengthy fight with multiple sclerosis.

The senior meteorologist, who has been at the network for over 22 years, shared the announcement in a video on X. Noting her absence from the show in the caption, she wrote, "Goodbyes are hard."

"For a long time, I was able to handle the early mornings, the many hours on my feet, and the stress of broadcasting live. Getting up at 2:30 in the morning and performing anything is hard, but especially for someone who has multiple sclerosis," Dean said. "For those living with MS, the war is inside of us."

Dean said that while she was diagnosed "early" and has successfully managed her symptoms for over two decades through different therapies, her "symptoms have progressed," triggered by a "lack of sleep and stress." She added, "I was increasingly feeling the effects of my limitations."

She made the decision to leave her role at the recommendation of her doctors, she said.

"There's so many things I'll miss.
The friends I've met, of course, the places I've visited, the storms I've covered, and the millions of yours who have invited me into their homes every morning," she continued.

In a statement to USA TODAY, a spokesperson for Fox News commended Dean's work and said they're in full support of her decision.

"Throughout her 22-year career with Fox News Media, Janice Dean has inspired viewers with her warmth, resilience, and dedication. Her willingness to share her personal journeys has touched countless lives and served as a source of strength and encouragement to many," it read. "We fully support Janice's courageous decision to step away from her role as senior meteorologist on 'Fox & Friends' and are grateful for her many contributions."

What is MS?

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease that attacks the central nervous system, a system that includes the brain, spinal cord and a host of nerves. A person with MS may experience a range of symptoms, depending on where inflammation and damage are located, but can include impaired vision, memory lapses, mobility issues, muscle spasms, walking difficulties, imbalance, fatigue, mood swings, pain and numbness or tingling in their hands and feet. There is no cure.

Dean thanked her loved ones for getting her "through these really tough moments."

"I know how lucky I was, and that's why it's so hard to finally say the words.
So maybe I'll call this my mostly sunny goodbye, because for every goodbye, there's always the next hello," Dean said, getting emotional. "God bless you all, and thank you from the bottom of my heart."

Contributing: Daryl Austin, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Janice Dean emotionally exits 'Fox & Friends' as MS symptoms worsen

Reporting by Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect

This story was originally published July 10, 2026 at 1:00 PM.