For years, Janice Dean’s sunny on-screen presence masked a private storm.
While viewers have seen her smile through weather reports, few knew the depth of the struggle brewing behind the camera. Recent posts reveal that this battle with multiple sclerosis (MS) has reached a turning point—one that could reshape both her career and personal life in ways fans weren’t expecting.
A Public Face, a Private Fight
Fox News senior meteorologist Janice Dean, 55, affectionately known as “Janice Dean the Weather Queen,” opened up in a deeply emotional social media post about the intensifying challenges of her long-term battle with MS.
“It’s getting harder every day,” she admitted, her words accompanied by a broken heart emoji. “I’ve accepted the end is near,” she added, emphasizing that her statement reflects finding peace, not giving up.
Dean was diagnosed with MS in 2005, shortly after joining Fox News. The chronic autoimmune disease attacks the central nervous system, damaging nerve fibers and leading to fatigue, pain, mobility issues, vision problems, and cognitive difficulties. Over two decades, she has balanced the demands of a high-profile career, family life, and advocacy work, often masking the disease’s relentless toll behind her trademark optimism.
A Life of Resilience and Advocacy
Throughout her career, Dean became a prominent advocate for MS awareness and research, undergoing treatments to manage flare-ups and enjoying periods of remission. Married to Sean Newman since 2007, she is a devoted mother to Matthew and Theodore. On screen, her energetic reporting won her legions of fans who saw her as a morning ray of sunshine.
Dean’s recent challenges prompted a temporary break from Fox News in November 2025, allowing her to focus on her health and family. She described a restorative trip to Rome with her husband as a “good place to start healing spiritually,” emphasizing her intention to return stronger.
Facing a New Reality
In a tearful video update, Dean shared the intensification of her “invisible illness.” “Every day is a fight now,” she said. “The pain, the exhaustion, the way it robs you of simple things… it’s getting harder every day. I’ve fought for 20 years, smiling on TV, being there for my family, advocating for others. But there are moments when it feels overwhelming.”
Her medical team has indicated that her relapsing-remitting MS may be progressing to a more aggressive secondary form, a development that has deeply affected Dean. Yet she framed the revelation with gratitude: “I’ve lived a full life, more than I ever dreamed after that diagnosis. I’ve been blessed with love, family, and a career that brought joy to so many.”
An Outpouring of Support
Dean’s honesty has drawn widespread support. Fans, colleagues, and the MS community flooded social media with messages of encouragement, including hashtags like #JaniceDeanStrong and #MSWarrior. Fox News anchors praised her courage on air, and fellow MS advocate Neil Cavuto reportedly reached out privately to offer encouragement.
Medical experts note that MS progression varies widely. While some live decades with mild symptoms, others face accelerating challenges.
Disease-modifying therapies have improved outcomes, but long-term patients may still confront mounting difficulties.
Legacy Beyond the Screen
Reflecting on her journey, Dean emphasized gratitude and advocacy. “When I was diagnosed, I thought everything was over—my job, my marriage, my kids. But look what happened. I became ‘mostly sunny,’ as my book says. I’ve connected with incredible people in the MS community.” She also praised her family: “Sean has been my rock. My boys… they’ve seen me at my strongest and weakest. I want them to remember the joy.”
Dean’s transparency shines a light on the human side of chronic illness, reminding the public that even those in the spotlight face deeply personal battles. “This isn’t goodbye forever,” she reassured viewers. “But right now, I need to focus on what matters most.”
Conclusion
Janice Dean’s story is a testament to courage, resilience, and hope. Through a career forecasting literal and figurative storms, she has faced her own with grace, inspiring countless others to persevere. Her openness about MS highlights the power of honesty, the importance of advocacy, and the enduring strength of love and family in navigating life’s toughest challenges.