Janice Dean returned to Fox & Friends one final time to say goodbye to viewers, bringing an emotional close to a remarkable 22-year career with Fox News.
The longtime meteorologist became overwhelmed with emotion during her farewell appearance, thanking colleagues, viewers and her family as she reflected on the journey that ultimately came to an end because of her ongoing battle with multiple sclerosis.
Dean first announced in late June that she would be stepping away from her role after her symptoms progressed to the point where continuing her demanding schedule was no longer possible. Although she had already shared the news publicly, she returned to the morning program for one final appearance to personally thank the people who had supported her throughout her career.
An emotional farewell after more than two decades
During Friday’s broadcast, Dean admitted there was one important thing she still wanted to do before closing this chapter of her life.
“I have shared a lot on TV in 22 years, maybe too much sometimes,” she said before explaining that she had never truly said goodbye.
As she addressed viewers, her voice cracked with emotion.
“One thing I realized I didn’t share was a goodbye, and so that’s why I feel this is important for me,” she said.
Fox & Friends honored Dean by airing a montage celebrating her years at the network. The tribute featured moments from her weather reports in New York City, appearances from inside the studio, coverage from major national events and memorable moments shared alongside her fellow hosts.
Over the years, Dean’s work extended beyond forecasting the weather. She also reported from events including the Super Bowl, the Kentucky Derby and the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. The montage also highlighted her enthusiasm while reporting from the White House and meeting Fox News viewers across the country.
After watching the tribute, Dean struggled to hold back tears, thanking everyone who had been part of her career.
“I wasn’t gonna cry and now I’m crying so, thank you,” she said.
Why Janice Dean decided to leave
Dean explained that living with multiple sclerosis had become increasingly difficult while maintaining the demanding schedule of early morning television.
She revealed that waking up around 2:30 a.m. every day had become especially challenging as her condition progressed.
“When you leave a career, a job, there is a grieving period because this has been part of my life,” Dean said. “You guys have been my second family.”
She also thanked viewers for welcoming her into their homes every morning throughout her career.
“It has been an honor of my life and I feel really blessed to have done this job,” she said.
Dean acknowledged that although she had continued working for years after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis two decades ago, there eventually came a point when stepping away became the right decision.
Earlier, when announcing her departure on social media, she explained that her symptoms had progressed to the point where both she and her doctors agreed leaving her position was necessary for her health.
A heartfelt sendoff from Fox News
The farewell also included several surprises from Dean’s Fox News family.
Crew members presented her with flowers, balloons, a cake, a framed photograph and a Fox & Friends coffee mug, prompting a smile as she joked, “I finally got a coffee mug.”
Her two teenage sons were also in the audience as she reflected on looking forward to spending more time with her family in the years ahead.
Fox News also paid tribute to Dean’s contributions, previously praising her warmth, resilience and dedication while expressing full support for her decision to step away after inspiring viewers for more than two decades.
Following the emotional broadcast, many viewers shared messages of appreciation on social media, thanking Dean for her years on television and wishing her the very best as she begins the next chapter of her life.
