Fox News senior meteorologist and host of “Fox & Friends,” Janice Dean, announced on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, that she is taking a break from work and social media to address health issues that require “rest and time to heal.” The 55-year-old weather anchor, who has been with the network since 2004, shared the news with fans in a heartfelt message explaining her absence.
“I wanted to let you all know that I’m taking a break from work (and social media) for a bit,” Dean wrote on Facebook. “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.”
Dean did not disclose specific details about her current health issues or how long her break will last. However, she promised fans she would return to her role. The meteorologist, who also contributes to Fox Weather, has been open about her health journey since being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2005, just one year after joining the network.
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves, all components of the central nervous system. The condition damages the myelin sheath, the protective coating around nerve cells, which can slow or block nerve signals. While there is no cure for MS, various treatments and therapies can help manage symptoms and slow disease progression.
Dean’s announcement came shortly after she returned from a trip to Rome with her husband, Sean Newman. She described the journey as an opportunity for spiritual healing. The trip to Rome with Sean was a good place to start healing spiritually, and now she has to get back to feeling healthy and strong. She explained that she’s always been up front and honest about her life, and felt she owed fans an explanation of her absence, promising that she will be back.
Throughout her nearly two-decade battle with MS, Dean has become an outspoken advocate in the multiple sclerosis community. She regularly connects with others affected by the disease and shares her personal experiences to help raise awareness. Her openness about living with an incurable illness has inspired many who face similar challenges.
Before her diagnosis, Dean experienced overwhelming fatigue, numbness in her thighs, and loss of sensation in the soles of her feet. Initially, she attributed these symptoms to her demanding work schedule as a journalist, but when they persisted, she sought medical attention and was referred to a neurologist who eventually diagnosed her condition.
According to sources, Dean has the relapsing-remitting form of MS, which is characterized by periods of symptom flare-ups followed by periods of remission. She receives IV infusion treatments every six months to help manage her condition and minimize flare-ups. The disease affects people differently, with symptoms varying widely from person to person and potentially including loss of balance, muscle spasms, and tingling in the arms and legs.
Dean thanked her fans for their incredible kindness and support in a follow-up comment on her announcement post. The outpouring of support from viewers highlighted the connection she has built with her audience over her 20-year career at Fox News.
Within the Fox News family, Dean found support from colleague Neil Cavuto, who was diagnosed with MS in 1997. Having someone who understood the challenges of living with the disease while maintaining a high-profile television career provided Dean with valuable guidance and reassurance during difficult times.
Dean’s bosses at Fox have been supportive of her decision to take time off to focus on her health. The network has made it clear that she will have a position waiting for her when she is ready to return. This support reflects the value Fox News places on its long-time employees and their well-being.
The meteorologist is married to Sean Newman, a New York City firefighter, and together they have two sons, Matthew and Theodore. Her family has been a crucial support system throughout her health journey, and spending time with them during this break is a priority for her recovery.
As Dean takes this necessary time away from her professional duties, she remains committed to returning to the role she has held for more than two decades. Her transparency about her health challenges continues to inspire others living with chronic illnesses, demonstrating that it is possible to maintain a successful career while managing a serious medical condition. For now, she focuses on rest, healing, and spending quality time with her family as she prepares for her eventual return to the airwaves.