When Fox News anchor John Roberts returned home from Virginia’s Inova Fairfax Hospital in early September 2025, his wife, Kyra Phillips, noticed a profound shift in the man she had known for over a decade. After a harrowing battle with a severe case of malaria contracted during a July vacation in Indonesia, Roberts, 70, was no longer the same. The once tireless journalist, known for his sharp wit and commanding presence on America Reports, emerged from his ordeal with a quieter demeanor, a renewed sense of purpose, and a message he now feels compelled to share with his colleagues and viewers. As calls mount for the veteran broadcaster to retire early or take an extended break, Roberts’ transformation has sparked conversations about health, resilience, and the pressures of public life. What is the story behind this change, and what message does Roberts want to impart in the wake of his near-death experience?

A Brush with Death and a Changed Man

On August 25, 2025, John Roberts was diagnosed with malaria after experiencing debilitating symptoms during a live broadcast of America Reports. “I had been hurting from the top of my head to the tip of my toes. Literally everywhere,” he told People magazine. “I was also beset with uncontrolled shivering all during my show.” Initially mistaking the symptoms for the flu, Roberts was stunned when blood tests revealed low platelets and white blood cells, leading to his hospitalization at Inova Fairfax. The diagnosis was severe malaria, a mosquito-borne parasitic disease that can be fatal if untreated. Roberts, who believes he contracted the illness while vacationing in Indonesia, described the experience as the sickest he had ever felt. “I thought, ‘Of course you have malaria… You never do anything in small measures,’” he joked, though he admitted, “I was a little scared. Malaria can be deadly if left unchecked.”

Kyra Phillips, an ABC News correspondent and Roberts’ wife since 2010, played a pivotal role in his recovery. She connected with global malaria expert Dr. Doug Postels in Malawi, who guided the medical team through Roberts’ treatment with IV artesunate, the first-line therapy for severe malaria in the U.S. After five days and six nights in the hospital, Roberts was discharged on August 30, planning to return home to his family, including their 14-year-old twins, Sage Ann and Kellan Clay. But when he walked through the door, Phillips noticed an immediate difference. “He was quieter, more reflective,” a source close to the couple shared. “Kyra was stunned. John’s always been driven, but now he seemed to carry this new weight—a gratitude for life, but also a sense of urgency to live differently.”

Roberts’ ordeal was not just physical. The malaria, which caused wild swings in temperature and extreme fatigue, left him grappling with his mortality. In a heartfelt X post on August 30, he wrote, “Malaria is an awful disease that needs to be attacked full-force when a diagnosis is made. I’ve gone from being so sick that any dog would take pity on me to being ready to watch the grill being fired up on Labor Day.” The post, accompanied by a photo of an Anopheles mosquito, included a warning: “Just stay away from these little effers…” The humor masked a deeper shift, one that Phillips described to friends as “a permanent change in how John sees the world.”

John Roberts: A Storied Career Under Pressure

From Canada to Fox News Stardom

Born in Toronto, Canada, in 1956, John Roberts began his journalism career in 1975 at local radio stations in Ontario, covering entertainment and news. His early television work included stints at CITY-TV and MuchMusic, followed by a move to the U.S. in 1989 to join CBS’s Miami affiliate. By 1992, he was with CBS News, later co-anchoring Canada AM at CTV before joining CNN in 2006. In 2011, Roberts moved to Fox News as a national correspondent, eventually becoming Chief White House Correspondent from 2017 to 2021, covering the Trump administration. In January 2021, he was promoted to co-anchor of America Reports, a 1–3 p.m. slot alongside Sandra Smith, solidifying his status as a network mainstay.

Roberts’ career is marked by accolades, including three Emmy Awards, a National Headline Award, and a New York Press Club Award. His coverage of major events—Hurricane Irene, the Robert Durst trial, and the U.S. Ebola outbreak—demonstrated his versatility. Yet, his high-profile role has not been without controversy. In 2016, he was named in a sexual harassment lawsuit against Fox News, though the case was dismissed. In 2021, his tweet about Colin Powell’s death raised vaccine efficacy concerns, drawing criticism for overlooking Powell’s underlying health issues. Despite these challenges, Roberts remained a respected figure, known for his tenacity and on-air charisma.

Health Struggles and Retirement Calls

Roberts’ malaria diagnosis was not his first health scare. In 2018, doctors at MedStar Washington Hospital diagnosed blocked arteries, requiring surgery. In 2022, he underwent ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, leaving him “battery-powered” with a pacemaker. These incidents, coupled with his recent malaria battle, have fueled speculation about his future at Fox News. Colleagues and viewers noticed his absence during the August 26 broadcast, with Trace Gallagher filling in alongside Sandra Smith. Social media buzzed with concern, with fans posting, “Get well soon, John!” and “Hope you recover quickly!” Others, however, questioned whether the 70-year-old anchor should step back. “Maybe it’s time for John to retire,” one X user wrote. “He’s given so much—his health comes first.”

Fox News executives have reportedly urged Roberts to consider an extended break, citing the physical demands of his role. Sources suggest some within the network believe a younger anchor could refresh America Reports. Yet, Roberts, known for his work ethic, is resistant. “John loves what he does,” a colleague told Us Weekly. “But this malaria scare hit him hard. He’s thinking about what matters most.” Phillips, too, has encouraged him to prioritize health, though she supports his passion for journalism. The couple’s discussions about his future have been private, but insiders say Roberts is weighing his options, torn between his career and his family’s well-being.

The Message He Wants to Share

The malaria ordeal has reshaped Roberts’ outlook, and he’s eager to share a message with his colleagues: prioritize health and cherish time with loved ones. In a September 3 interview with Mediaite, Roberts reflected, “This disease reminded me how fragile life is. I want my colleagues to know—don’t wait for a wake-up call like this. Get checked, rest, and hold your family close.” He credited Phillips for her unwavering support, noting her role in finding Dr. Postels and staying by his side. “Kyra was my rock,” he said. “She made me realize what truly matters.”

Roberts’ message extends beyond Fox News. He plans to advocate for malaria awareness, emphasizing prevention in travel to endemic areas. The CDC reports approximately 2,000 malaria cases annually in the U.S., often linked to travel, with nearly 290 million infections globally and over 400,000 deaths. Roberts’ case, described by his doctor as the first he had seen, underscores the disease’s rarity in the U.S. but its potential severity. “I was lucky,” Roberts told USA Today. “Not everyone gets a second chance. If you’re traveling to tropical areas, take precautions—repellent, nets, medication.” His experience has also prompted him to reflect on workplace stress, urging colleagues to balance ambition with self-care.

Phillips, who witnessed Roberts’ physical and emotional transformation, has been vocal about the need for change. “John’s always been all-in for work,” she told a close friend, per NY Morning Star. “But now he talks about slowing down, spending more time with the kids.” Their twins, now teenagers, have been a focal point for Roberts, who missed milestones during his hospital stay. He’s reportedly planning family trips and considering a lighter schedule, though he’s not ready to retire. “I’m not done yet,” he told People. “But I’m listening to my body and my family.”

A Marriage Strengthened by Crisis

A Partnership Rooted in Resilience

Kyra Phillips, 57, met Roberts in 2009, and their engagement was announced in 2010. The couple, who welcomed twins in 2011, have navigated the demands of dual journalism careers—Phillips at ABC News, Roberts at Fox. Their marriage has weathered public scrutiny and personal challenges, including Roberts’ previous health issues. Phillips, a seasoned correspondent known for her 2003 embedded reporting in Iraq and her 2006 F-14 Tomcat flight, has been a steadfast partner. During Roberts’ hospitalization, she coordinated with medical experts and kept their children grounded, balancing her own demanding career.

The malaria crisis deepened their bond. Phillips’ proactive outreach to Dr. Postels ensured Roberts received cutting-edge treatment, and her presence at his bedside offered emotional strength. “Thank you to my beloved wife,” Roberts wrote on X, praising her for finding “a guiding hand through all of this.” Friends describe Phillips as stunned yet inspired by Roberts’ transformation. “Kyra saw a new John—someone who’s not just a journalist but a man reflecting on his legacy,” a source shared. Their shared experience has prompted open conversations about their future, with Phillips advocating for a slower pace to prioritize family.

Facing Public and Personal Crossroads

The public’s response to Roberts’ illness was overwhelming. Fans flooded X with support, with comments like “Bet that wasn’t on your 2025 Bingo card! Get well!” and “Wow, that’s no joke. Feel better!” Some, however, voiced concerns about his age and health, with one user writing, “John’s a legend, but maybe it’s time to step back.” Media outlets, from Daily Mail to HuffPost, covered his hospitalization, noting the rarity of malaria in the U.S. and the severity of his case. The coverage amplified calls for Roberts to reassess his career, with some speculating Fox News might push for a transition to a less demanding role.

Internally, Roberts’ transformation has sparked mixed reactions. Some colleagues admire his renewed perspective, with one telling Adweek, “John’s talking about life in a way he never did before. It’s inspiring.” Others worry about the network’s high-pressure environment, where anchors are expected to perform relentlessly. Roberts’ message of self-care challenges this culture, and he’s reportedly planning a staff meeting to discuss workplace wellness. Meanwhile, Phillips has encouraged him to explore writing or mentoring, roles that could preserve his influence without the physical toll of daily broadcasts.

The couple’s home life has also shifted. Roberts, once consumed by work, now prioritizes family dinners and time with his twins. Phillips, who has balanced her own career with motherhood, has welcomed this change, though she remains stunned by its permanence. “He’s not the same man who left for Indonesia,” she told a friend, per NY Daily News. “He’s more present, but there’s a weight to it—like he’s seen something we haven’t.” Their Washington, D.C., home has become a sanctuary, with Roberts gardening and reading more, activities he once had little time for.

A Legacy of Resilience and Advocacy

Roberts’ malaria battle has left an indelible mark, not just on him but on those around him. His message—prioritize health, cherish family, and advocate for prevention—resonates in a high-stakes industry where burnout is common. He plans to return to America Reports in mid-September, but with a modified schedule, potentially reducing his on-air hours. Fox News has not commented publicly, but insiders say discussions about his role are ongoing. Some suggest he could transition to a senior correspondent position, focusing on investigative pieces or special reports.

Beyond the studio, Roberts is exploring ways to raise malaria awareness. He’s in talks with the CDC to support campaigns targeting travelers, emphasizing prophylactics like antimalarial drugs. His experience has also drawn attention to United Hatzalah, where Friedson works, prompting Roberts to consider advocacy for first responders’ health. Phillips, too, is leveraging her platform at ABC News to highlight global health issues, inspired by her husband’s ordeal.

The transformation in John Roberts is a story of survival and renewal. Kyra Phillips, stunned by the change, sees a man who has faced mortality and emerged with clarity. As Roberts navigates calls to retire or step back, his message to colleagues and viewers is clear: life is fleeting, and health and family must come first. This chapter, born from a hospital bed, may redefine his legacy—not just as a journalist, but as a voice for resilience and gratitude in the face of adversity.