Fans of Fox News have recently been wondering why Janice Dean, the network’s longtime senior meteorologist and a regular face on Fox & Friends, has been missing from the air. Her unexpected disappearance led to growing speculation, prompting many to fear that something serious had happened. After several weeks of questions, Dean finally addressed the situation through a series of social media updates, putting rumors to rest and explaining why she stepped away.
Dean shared that the start of her 2025 break had nothing to do with her health. Instead, she and her husband, Sean, had planned a special trip to Rome with close friends. The getaway had been arranged months in advance and coincided with the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year, a sacred event held every 25 years that attracts millions of pilgrims. Dean described the journey as spiritually uplifting and said it exceeded anything she had hoped for.
What began as a short vacation, however, evolved into a more extended and personal leave. After returning to the U.S., Dean posted another note to followers, saying she needed additional time off to prioritize her well-being. She reassured everyone that she was okay but admitted she had been managing some health issues that required rest and patience. She thanked Fox management for their compassion and support, and she explained that while her time in Rome had brought emotional and spiritual comfort, she also needed space to rebuild her physical strength.
Dean has long been open about her life, especially regarding her health, which is why she chose to explain her absence publicly rather than slip away without comment. She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2005, at age 35, and has since used her platform to increase awareness about the disease. MS disrupts the protective covering around nerves, causing symptoms that can range from numbness and fatigue to difficulty walking or vision problems. Because the condition can change unpredictably, Dean often says she never takes a stable day for granted.
In a recent update, Dean reflected on the two decades since her diagnosis and revealed that early in her career she had been advised to keep her illness private because executives feared audiences wouldn’t accept “a sick person on television.” She refused to stay silent. Today, she continues to talk openly about her treatments — including twice-yearly infusions — and shares her experiences to inspire others facing similar challenges. Although she didn’t specify whether her current break relates directly to her MS, she made it clear that her body simply needed rest.
Dean has previously spoken about the uncertainty that comes with the disease. In a 2024 interview with People, she mentioned how quickly her mobility can change, noting that she could wake up one morning and find walking difficult, something that’s always in the back of her mind.
While she hasn’t provided a definitive date for her return to Fox News, Dean emphasized that she fully intends to come back once she feels strong enough. She expressed deep appreciation for the many messages of encouragement she has received from viewers.
This is not the first time health issues have pulled her away from the camera. In 2017, she was forced to take roughly two months off after a cosmetic laser treatment went wrong. What was supposed to be a quick skin-rejuvenation procedure left her with severe swelling, trouble speaking and eating, and a visibly uneven smile. Only after revisiting the procedure’s paperwork did she learn that nerve damage and temporary facial paralysis were possible side effects. She didn’t return to broadcasting until her face had completely healed.
As she focuses on recovery once again, Dean continues to assure fans that she won’t be gone forever. When her health allows, she plans to return to the Fox News studio — and to the millions of viewers who have missed her presence on their morning screens.
