Janice Dean, the 55-year-old senior meteorologist for Fox News and host of “Fox & Friends,” announced Wednesday, November 12, that she is taking a break from the network to address health issues requiring rest and time to heal. The longtime weather anchor, who joined Fox News in 2004, shared the news with her followers on social media.

“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, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2005, did not specify the exact nature of the health issues prompting her leave. Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the nerves in the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. The condition damages the protective coating around nerve cells, which can slow or block nerve signals throughout the body.

The mother of two explained that she would also be stepping away from social media during her hiatus. She emphasized her commitment to transparency with her audience, noting that she has always been upfront and honest about her life and felt she owed her followers an explanation for her absence. Dean assured fans that she plans to return to work, though she did not provide a specific date for her comeback.

Before announcing her break, Dean recently traveled to Rome with her husband, Sean. She described the trip as a meaningful experience that provided spiritual healing. In her announcement, she explained that the Rome journey was a good place to start healing spiritually, and now she needs to focus on getting back to feeling healthy and strong.

Fox News bosses have been supportive of Dean’s decision to take time off, according to her statement. The network’s understanding approach has allowed the veteran meteorologist to prioritize her health and spend time with her family during this period. Dean expressed gratitude for the support from both her employers and her audience.

In a follow-up comment on her social media post, Dean thanked her fans for their outpouring of support. She wrote that the response from her followers made her cry in a good way, and she promised to get plenty of rest and take good care of herself. She described the kind words from supporters as incredible and said she appreciated all the beautiful messages.

Dean has been a prominent figure at Fox News for more than two decades, building a career as one of the network’s most recognizable on-air personalities. Her work as senior meteorologist has made her a familiar face to viewers of “Fox & Friends” and other Fox programming. Throughout her tenure, she has balanced her professional responsibilities with managing her chronic health condition.

The announcement comes nearly 20 years after Dean’s initial multiple sclerosis diagnosis, which occurred just one year after she joined the network. Since that time, she has been an advocate in the multiple sclerosis community, sharing her personal journey with the disease and connecting with others who face similar challenges. Her openness about living with the condition has helped raise awareness about the disease and its impact on those affected.

Multiple sclerosis symptoms vary from person to person but can include loss of balance, muscle spasms, and tingling in the arms and legs, among other effects. While there is no cure for the disease, medications and therapy can help manage symptoms and slow its progression. The condition can affect individuals differently, with some experiencing mild symptoms while others face more significant challenges.

The outpouring of support from viewers demonstrates the connection Dean has built with her audience over her 21-year tenure at the network. Her combination of professional meteorology expertise and personal authenticity has made her a beloved figure among “Fox & Friends” viewers. As she takes this time away, her fans await her return while respecting her need for privacy and healing during this period.