A Devastating Diagnosis and a Doctor’s Plea

In late August 2025, John Roberts, the veteran co-anchor of Fox News’s America Reports, faced a moment that shook him to his core. Diagnosed with a severe case of malaria, a rare and life-threatening illness in the United States, Roberts found himself in a hospital bed, grappling not only with physical pain but also with an emotional ultimatum. “I cried like a baby,” he revealed in an exclusive interview with People magazine on September 1, 2025, recounting the moment his doctor delivered a sobering recommendation: retire from broadcasting and focus on his health. For Roberts, a 68-year-old journalist whose career spans five decades, the suggestion was unthinkable. Journalism, he admitted, had become “ingrained in my very being,” and he couldn’t imagine abandoning it unless faced with death itself.

The emotional turmoil of this moment was eased only by a heartfelt phone call with his longtime friend and Fox News colleague Steve Doocy, who had recently stepped away from his in-studio role on Fox & Friends to focus on other projects. Doocy’s wisdom and empathy helped Roberts regain his composure, offering a lifeline as he navigated the uncertainty of his health and career. This article delves into Roberts’s battle with malaria, the profound impact of his doctor’s advice, his deep-rooted passion for journalism, and the support from colleagues and fans that is carrying him through this challenging chapter.

The Malaria Diagnosis: A Rare and Brutal Illness

Roberts’s health crisis began in late July 2025, following a two-week vacation in Indonesia, a malaria-endemic region. Initially dismissing his symptoms—fever, chills, body aches, and uncontrolled shivering—as the flu, Roberts continued anchoring America Reports until the pain became unbearable. “I was hurting from the top of my head to the tip of my toes,” he told People. “I’ve never felt that sick in my life.” On August 24, 2025, a routine visit to his rheumatologist revealed alarmingly low platelet and white blood cell counts, prompting an urgent trip to Inova Fairfax Hospital in Virginia. There, doctors diagnosed him with severe malaria, a parasitic disease transmitted by mosquito bites, marking the first such case one of his physicians had ever treated.

Malaria, caused by the Plasmodium parasite, is exceedingly rare in the U.S., with about 2,000 cases annually, mostly among travelers. Symptoms typically appear 7 to 30 days after exposure and include fever, chills, muscle pain, and fatigue. In severe cases, like Roberts’s, the disease can lead to complications such as organ failure or death if untreated. The anchor’s condition was dire enough to require immediate hospitalization and treatment with IV artesunate, the standard therapy for severe malaria. “Yesterday was a down day. I felt horrible all day,” Roberts shared on X on August 30, 2025, after five days in the hospital. “But I’m ready to fight it.”

The diagnosis came as a shock, not only to Roberts but also to his colleagues and viewers. On August 27, America Reports co-anchor Sandra Smith and substitute host Trace Gallagher informed viewers of Roberts’s absence, noting that his illness might be linked to his past as a field reporter in high-risk regions. While Roberts believes the malaria was contracted in Indonesia, the suggestion of a connection to his earlier career—covering wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, disasters like the 2013 Oklahoma tornado, and conflicts in Yugoslavia—added a layer of intrigue, though medical experts note that malaria typically manifests within weeks, not years.

The Doctor’s Advice: A Heart-Wrenching Crossroads

As Roberts battled the physical toll of malaria, marked by wild temperature swings and debilitating fatigue, his doctor delivered a recommendation that struck at the core of his identity. During a bedside consultation on August 29, 2025, the physician urged Roberts to consider retiring from his demanding role at Fox News to prioritize his recovery and long-term health. The doctor cited the severity of the malaria, combined with Roberts’s history of cardiovascular issues, including a 2018 procedure for blocked arteries and a pacemaker installed in 2022 for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. “You’ve pushed your body hard for decades,” the doctor reportedly told him, according to a source close to Roberts cited by news.tanggiap.net. “This is a warning sign to slow down.”

For Roberts, the suggestion was a gut punch. “I cried like a baby,” he confessed to People, describing the overwhelming emotions that flooded him. Journalism was more than a career—it was his lifeblood. From his early days as a radio DJ in Ontario to his high-profile roles at CBS, CNN, and Fox News, Roberts had dedicated himself to telling stories that mattered. “Journalism is ingrained in my very being,” he said. “I couldn’t imagine giving it up unless I was dead.” The thought of stepping away from the anchor desk, where he has delivered breaking news and interviewed world leaders, felt like abandoning a part of himself.

Roberts’s emotional reaction reflects the deep connection many journalists feel to their work. His career, spanning local Canadian stations to global conflict zones, has been defined by resilience and a commitment to truth. Covering the Iraq War, the London bombings of 2005, and natural disasters, he faced physical and emotional risks that left lasting impacts. In a 2022 SurvivorNet interview, he noted how his time in Iraq affected his cardiovascular health, saying, “There was a lot of stuff in the air from the fighting.” The doctor’s advice forced Roberts to confront the cumulative toll of his career, raising questions about whether he could continue at the same pace.

A Lifeline from a Friend: Steve Doocy’s Call

Amid this turmoil, Roberts found solace in a phone call with Steve Doocy, his friend and former Fox & Friends co-anchor. Doocy, who stepped away from his in-studio role in early 2025 to focus on writing and occasional remote segments, understood the weight of Roberts’s dilemma. Having navigated his own career transition while maintaining his passion for journalism, Doocy offered perspective and encouragement. “Steve reminded me that there are ways to keep doing what you love without burning yourself out,” Roberts told People. “He’s been through his own changes, and he helped me see a path forward.”

The conversation, which Roberts described as a turning point, allowed him to regain his composure. Doocy shared insights from his decision to step back from daily hosting, emphasizing the importance of health and family while staying connected to journalism. “You don’t have to be at the desk every day to make a difference,” Doocy reportedly said, according to a source cited by conservativesnews.com. For Roberts, whose fiancée, CNN anchor Kyra Phillips, and their two children are a central part of his life, Doocy’s words offered hope that he could balance his health with his passion.

Doocy’s own journey has been a model of adaptability. After nearly three decades on Fox & Friends, he transitioned to a less demanding role, allowing him to spend more time with his family while continuing to engage viewers through books like The Simply Happy Cookbook and occasional appearances. His ability to redefine his career resonated with Roberts, who began to consider how he might adjust his own path without abandoning journalism entirely.

A Storied Career and a Resilient Spirit

John David Roberts, born November 15, 1956, in Toronto, Canada, has built a remarkable career through grit and versatility. Starting in 1975 at local radio stations, he transitioned to television with CITY-TV and MuchMusic, co-hosting The NewMusic and anchoring CityPulse. His work at CTV’s Canada AM earned him national recognition before he moved to the U.S. in 1989, joining CBS and later CNN, where he co-anchored American Morning. Since joining Fox News in 2011, Roberts has served as a senior national correspondent, Chief White House Correspondent, and co-anchor of America Reports since 2021. His coverage of the Trump administration, natural disasters, and global conflicts has earned him multiple Emmy Awards and a 2009 induction into the Canadian Broadcast Hall of Fame.

Roberts’s field reporting days, particularly in the 1990s and 2000s, placed him in high-risk environments where he faced environmental hazards and physical dangers. His health challenges, including heart issues and now malaria, reflect the toll of such work. Yet, his passion for journalism has remained unwavering. “You know your body better than anyone,” he told WKML 95.7 in 2024, reflecting on his advocacy for his health after a misdiagnosis in 2018. This resilience has carried him through his current battle, as he fights to return to the airwaves.

The Risks of Journalism and the Malaria Mystery

The suggestion by Roberts’s co-anchors that his malaria might be linked to his field reporting days, while unconfirmed, underscores the unseen risks journalists face. His assignments in Iraq, Afghanistan, Yugoslavia, and disaster zones exposed him to pollutants, infectious diseases, and trauma. While malaria is unlikely to remain dormant for decades, the speculation has raised awareness about the long-term health impacts of such work. Chronic infections or environmental exposures, like those from burn pits in Iraq, can cause lasting effects, though Roberts’s case is most likely tied to his recent Indonesia trip.

The rarity of malaria in the U.S. adds to the intrigue. “I’m the only person in the hospital with malaria,” Roberts posted on X on August 26, 2025. “One of my doctors said I’m the first case he’s ever seen.” The disease’s severity, coupled with Roberts’s history of heart issues, likely influenced his doctor’s retirement advice. Climate change, which is expanding the range of malaria-carrying mosquitoes, has also heightened concerns about such diseases, with a recent locally acquired case in New Jersey marking a rare occurrence.

Support from Colleagues and Fans

As Roberts recovers, his Fox News colleagues have rallied around him. Sandra Smith expressed relief at his progress, saying on America Reports, “We’re all praying for John and can’t wait to have him back.” Trace Gallagher, who has filled in as co-anchor, earned Roberts’s gratitude on X: “Thank you to Trace for jumping into the chair!” Fox News has prioritized Roberts’s health, ensuring seamless coverage with veteran anchors.

Fans have flooded social media with support. “Get well soon, John Roberts,” one X user wrote. “Many prayers for a speedy recovery.” Another posted, “I’m so sorry you’re going through this, John. You’re in our thoughts.” The outpouring reflects Roberts’s impact as a trusted journalist, known for his candor and relatability.

A Path Forward

Roberts’s recovery remains a work in progress. On September 2, 2025, he told People he hoped to leave the hospital soon, though his return to America Reports is uncertain, potentially delayed beyond Labor Day. “I’m feeling better, but the swings in temperature are exhausting,” he said. His treatment with IV artesunate is clearing the parasites, but the disease’s cyclical nature continues to challenge him. Supported by Kyra Phillips and their children, Roberts is determined to fight on.

The phone call with Steve Doocy has given Roberts a new perspective. While he’s not ready to retire, he’s considering ways to adapt, perhaps taking on less demanding roles like Doocy. “Journalism is who I am,” he told People. “But I’m starting to see there are different ways to keep telling stories.” His resilience, bolstered by faith, family, and friendship, is guiding him through this crisis.

A Legacy of Courage and Connection

John Roberts’s battle with malaria and the emotional weight of his doctor’s advice have humanized a journalist known for his professionalism. His tears, his passion for his craft, and his reliance on friends like Steve Doocy reveal a man grappling with mortality yet determined to persevere. As he fights to return to the anchor desk, his story resonates as a testament to the sacrifices journalists make and the strength required to face life’s uncertainties.

For fans, colleagues, and aspiring journalists, Roberts’s journey is a powerful narrative of resilience and devotion. Whether he returns to America Reports full-time or finds a new way to contribute, his legacy as a storyteller endures. As he wrote on X, “Malaria is an awful disease, but I’m ready to fight it.” With the support of his Fox News family and viewers worldwide, John Roberts is proving that even in the darkest moments, hope and determination can light the way.