HEARTBREAKING GOODBYE: Janice Dean Breaks Down In Tears As Her 22-Year Fox & Friends Run Ends, Leaving Viewers In Tears
A BELOVED Fox News star has returned to the network to say her goodbyes as she steps away from work while battling an incurable disease.
Janice Dean, a meteorologist on Fox & Friends, broke down in tears on Friday as she reminisced about her 22 years at the network.
Janice Dean made her final return to Fox & Friends on Friday before she steps away for good as she fights a continuous battle with an incurable diseaseCredit: Fox and Friends
Dean became emotional when saying goodbye to her “second family”Credit: Fox and Friends
Dean announced at the end of June that she would be leaving Fox News due to her continuing struggles with multiple sclerosis.
The journalist was diagnosed with the autoimmune disease, which affects the central nervous system and breaks down the protective covering of nerves, 20 years ago.
She came back for a final appearance on Friday where she talked about her 22 years at the network.
“I have shared a lot on TV in 22 year, maybe too much sometimes,” she said.
Dean said throughout her time at Fox, she got engaged, had her two sons, revealed her multiple sclerosis diagnosis and talked about the death of her in-laws during the pandemic.
“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 as her voice cracked.
Fox & Friends put together a montage of Dean’s time at the network, showing clips of her reporting outside of the Fox building in New York City, debuting the Fox Weather vehicle, and reporting from the studio alongside her many co-hosts.
While Dean is a meteorologist at Fox, she got several opportunities to stray from the weather and cover the Super Bowl, the Kentucky Derby and the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
Fox highlighted Dean’s love for dancing and her hard-to-contain excitement when she got to report from the White House and when meeting viewers.
“I wasn’t gonna cry and now I’m crying so, thank you,” she said after the montage played.
Dean slightly covered her face with her hand as she cried and wiped away tears with a tissue.
She became overwhelmed with emotion throughout the show, letting some tears fly as she talked about how grateful she was for her husband supporting her career and the behind-the-scenes crew.
Dean’s co-hosts shared a “good luck” banner on the showCredit: Fox and Friends
Dean (pictured in 2019) has worked at Fox News for 22 yearsCredit: Getty
“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,” she said.
“I want to say to the audience, I have loved every moment you have invited me into your living rooms every single morning.
“It has been an honor of my life and I feel really blessed to have done this job.
“But I also want to say, 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.
“I did it for a long time, and I probably shouldn’t have done it for as long as I did, but I think I caught it at a time where I can repair myself a little bit.”
When she announced her departure in June, Dean said her symptoms had progressed to a point where she felt she needed to leave work.
“Ultimately, my symptoms progressed to the point that I can no longer continue working in my role, and my doctors agreed and said stepping away was necessary for my health,” she said in a video shared on social media.
Dean said on air that she is looking forward to getting to spend time with her family, including her 15- and 17-year-old sons who were in the audience on Friday.
Three crew members came out bearing gifts, giving the star a framed picture, a Fox & Friends coffee mug, flowers, a cake and balloons.
“I finally got a coffee mug,” she laughed as she wiped away more tears.
Her co-hosts also shared a banner on the screen on Friday, which read, “Good luck, Janice!”
Fox & Friends fans took to social media on Friday to share their love for Dean.
“How great to wake up & see Janice Dean back on F&F this morning! I’m glad Fox brought you back to say goodbye,” one X user wrote. “You are so loved & missed.”
“Janice Dean is ALL class. We will miss her dearly. All the best Janice,” said another.
In November, she announced she was taking a break from work as worked through “health issues that require rest and time to heal.”
Dean has remained active on social media in the weeks since she announced she was leaving, and has floated the idea of starting daily or weekly posts talking about her favorite books, foods, hobbies and more.
A Fox News Media spokesperson told The U.S. Sun in June that 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.”
