For years, Janice Dean has been one of the most familiar faces on Fox News — the senior meteorologist whose warm presence, steady reporting, and signature optimism have made her a staple on Fox & Friends and a comforting voice for millions of viewers across the country. But this week, Dean surprised her audience with a deeply personal announcement: she is stepping away from the network temporarily to focus on her health.

The news came not through a formal press release or an on-air farewell, but through a candid message she shared directly with fans on social media. It was honest, vulnerable, and unmistakably Janice.

“I wanted to let you all know that I’m taking a break from work (and social media) for a bit,” she wrote. “I’m ok, but I’ve had some health issues that require rest and time to heal.”

For many longtime viewers, the update came as a reminder of a battle that Dean has quietly fought for nearly two decades. In 2005, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a chronic autoimmune condition that affects the central nervous system. Despite the challenges that accompany MS — fatigue, pain, mobility issues, and unpredictable flare-ups — Dean has continued to work, raise a family, and remain open about her journey. Her willingness to talk publicly about living with MS has inspired countless people navigating the same diagnosis.

This moment, however, is one that requires her to pause.

A Break Rooted in Honesty and Self-Care

Dean’s announcement emphasized the importance of recovery — not only physical, but emotional and spiritual. She revealed that a recent trip to Rome with her husband, Sean Newman, had helped her reflect, reset, and acknowledge her need for deeper healing.

“The trip to Rome with Sean was a good place to start healing spiritually,” she wrote. “And now I have to get back to feeling healthy and strong.”

The simplicity of her words struck a chord with readers. There was no dramatization, no attempt to minimize what she was facing. Just truth — shared in the same warm, accessible tone that viewers have come to love.

She also made it clear that she isn’t stepping away indefinitely.

“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.”

Support From Fox News and Viewers

Dean expressed deep gratitude for the understanding and compassion she has received from her colleagues and network leadership. “My bosses at Fox have been kind and understanding,” she wrote. “I feel blessed to be able to take a break to be with my family.”

In the fast-paced world of television news — where on-air personalities often juggle early call times, demanding schedules, and constant public attention — taking time off is no small decision. For someone like Dean, whose job requires daily energy and constant presence, stepping away reflects a meaningful commitment to long-term well-being.

Within minutes of her post, thousands of comments from supporters flooded in. Some shared their own experiences with MS. Others simply thanked her for her transparency. Many expressed admiration for her resilience and wished her strength in the weeks ahead.

A Journey of Transparency

Throughout her career, Dean has chosen openness over secrecy. She has spoken publicly about the ups and downs of living with MS, often reminding others that invisible illnesses can be just as real — and just as challenging — as those more easily seen.

Her updates have never been delivered for sympathy, but rather to create connection, foster understanding, and advocate for others who feel unseen.

This latest message continues that tradition. It isn’t just a personal announcement — it is a reminder of the importance of acknowledging limits, listening to one’s body, and allowing space for healing.

Looking Ahead

Though she hasn’t given a timeline for her return, Dean reassured fans that this is a temporary pause, not a goodbye. For now, her focus is on recovery, rest, and time with the people who matter most.

Her closing words captured the spirit of her message — hopeful, grateful, and deeply human:

“Grateful to you all for the kind words.”

As she takes this well-deserved break, viewers across the country are sending their support, reminding her of the very message she has given others so many times: strength is not always found in pushing through. Sometimes, it’s found in stepping back, healing, and allowing the next chapter to arrive in its own time.

And when she returns to the screen, it will be on her terms — rested, renewed, and ready.