Emma Heming Willis is speaking candidly about life with her husband, Bruce Willis, as the family navigates one of their toughest challenges. Married since 2009, the couple has raised daughters Mabel, 13, and Evelyn, 11, together, and Emma has always been a steadfast partner through the highs and lows of life in the public eye.
Bruce Willis, now 70, was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in 2023. Emma explains that while his brain is affected, he remains very mobile and in generally good health. “Bruce is still very mobile. Bruce is in really great health overall,” she says, underscoring that the family is adjusting to communicate with him in new ways as his language skills decline.
Even with the challenges, Emma finds moments of her husband’s true self that bring comfort and joy. She speaks about catching glimpses of his old personality in his laugh, the twinkle in his eye, or a familiar smirk. “Not days, but moments,” she notes, describing how fleeting these experiences are, yet how powerful they feel. Emma admits that these glimpses can be bittersweet, appearing and disappearing quickly, but she remains grateful for every one, according to the New York Post.
“It felt a little removed, very cold, not like Bruce, who was very warm and affectionate,” Emma stated. “To go the complete opposite of that was alarming and scary.”
Emma Hemming recalls the emotional weight of Bruce’s diagnosis. Initially, he was diagnosed with aphasia in 2022, prompting his retirement from acting. By 2023, the family learned the fuller diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia.
Bruce Willis Leans On Family Strength and Support
She shares that when she first heard the news, she felt panic and disbelief. Adding that she was unable to fully process what the disease entailed. While Bruce may not completely grasp his condition, the family has adapted to support him as best they can.
Before the diagnosis, subtle changes were noticeable. Bruce, once talkative and highly engaged, became quieter and more withdrawn. Emma describes how alarming it was to see the man she knew shift toward a colder, more distant demeanor. Recognizing these signs early helped the family prepare emotionally for the road ahead.
Emma emphasizes the importance of family throughout this journey. She, Bruce’s daughters, and even his ex-wife, Demi Moore, have been pillars of support. They work together, ensuring that Bruce receives love and care daily. Moore continues to visit regularly, helping Emma navigate the challenges of caregiving. Emma’s upcoming book, The Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope, and Yourself on the Caregiving Path, delves into the lessons she’s learned during this difficult time.
Through the uncertainty, Emma focuses on gratitude. Each laugh, smirk, or twinkle in Bruce’s eye is celebrated as a precious reminder of who he is. Despite the cruel reality of dementia, love, family, and small moments of connection provide strength and hope. Bruce’s journey is a reminder that even in the hardest times, there is beauty in togetherness and in cherishing every fleeting moment.
Nina Franklin 
Kenna Raye 
