Janice Dean cries in emotional 'Fox & Friends' exit amid MS battle
For Janice Dean, the news desk was more than just a job - it was a home.
The longtime Fox News senior meteorologist, who previously revealed she was leaving the network amid a battle with multiple sclerosis, signed off with an emotional sendoff from her colleagues on Friday, July 10.
"When you leave a career, a job, there is a grieving period because this has been part of my life. You guys have been my second family," Dean, 56, said on "Fox & Friends."
"I want to say to the audience, I have loved every moment you have invited me into your living rooms every single morning," she added. "It has been an honor of my life, and I feel really blessed to have done this job."
The weather presenter, who has been at the network for over 22 years, announced her departure in June in a candid social media video. Dean explained that while she was diagnosed with MS "early" and had successfully managed her symptoms for over two decades through different therapies, her "symptoms have progressed" due to a "lack of sleep and stress." She said she made the decision to leave her Fox News role at the recommendation of her doctors.
"Living with an illness, we don't talk about this on TV, but getting up at 2:30 in the morning is a really tough thing. It's tough on your body," Dean said on "Fox & Friends" Friday. "I did it for a long time, and I probably shouldn't have done it as long as I did, but I think I caught it at a time where I can repair myself a little bit."
Dean's cohosts celebrated the news personality's decorated tenure at Fox with a montage video of her various reports over the years, including special appearances at the Super Bowl, the Kentucky Derby and the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. The tribute proved to be emotional for Dean.
"I wasn't goanna cry, and now I'm crying, so thank you," Dean said as she wiped away tears. "Thanks for letting me do what I love to do."
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease that attacks the central nervous system, a system that includes the brain, spinal cord and a host of nerves. A person with MS may experience a range of symptoms, depending on where inflammation and damage are located, but can include impaired vision, memory lapses, mobility issues, muscle spasms, walking difficulties, imbalance, fatigue, mood swings, pain and numbness or tingling in their hands and feet.
There is currently no cure for the disease, although many medications can modify the course of someone's condition and improve symptoms.
Following Dean's announcement of her departure last month, Fox News issued a statement commending the weathercaster for her work, saying, "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."
"Throughout her 22-year career with Fox News Media, Janice Dean has inspired viewers with her warmth, resilience and dedication," the statement read. "Her willingness to share her personal journeys has touched countless lives and served as a source of strength and encouragement to many."
Contributing: Daryl Austin, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Janice Dean cries in emotional 'Fox & Friends' exit amid MS battle
Reporting by Edward Segarra and Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY / USA TODAY
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This story was originally published July 10, 2026 at 1:14 PM.