Fox News weather anchor Janice Dean has announced she’s departing her role with the cable network. He departure is due to her Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis.
What We Know: Janice Dean served as the weather anchor on Fox & Friends during her 22-year run with the network. Hired in January 2004, she was the first official weather forecaster in Fox News history. In November, she announced a leave of absence related to her diagnosis with MS.
What They Said: “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. For those living with MS, the war is inside of us … Thankfully, I was diagnosed early, and I’ve been on different therapies for over the last two decades. But there’s no cure for MS. And over time, my symptoms have progressed. Unfortunately, lack of sleep and stress are some of the biggest triggers, and I was increasingly feeling the effects of my limitations. Ultimately, my symptoms progressed to the point that I can no longer continue working in my role, and my doctors agreed that stepping away was necessary for my health.” -Janice Dean
In a statement to Barrett Media, Fox News thanked Dean for her decades-long tenure with the network.
“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. 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.” -A Fox News spokesperson
What Remains Unclear: If Dean has plans to ever return to the media landscape. It is unknown if this is a retirement or simply an exit from her current role at Fox News.
What It Means: It unfortunately marks the end of an era for both Dean and Fox News. She had been a fixture on Fox & Friends and was a welcoming and familiar face to the network’s large morning viewership.
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Garrett Searight is Barrett Media’s News Editor, which includes writing daily news stories, features, and opinion columns. He joined Barrett Media in 2022 after a decade leading several radio brands in several formats, as well as a 5-year stint working in local television. In addition to his work with Barrett Media, he is a radio and TV play-by-play broadcaster. Reach out to him at Garrett@BarrettMedia.com.
