Emma Heming Willis Shares Emotional Insights on Husband’s Battle with Frontotemporal Dementia
In an emotional television appearance, Emma Heming Willis, wife of actor Bruce Willis, spoke candidly about the challenges the family is facing since his dementia diagnosis. The 45-year-old former model appeared on the Today show to raise awareness for World Frontotemporal Dementia Awareness Week, opening up about the impact of her husband’s condition on their lives.
As she spoke with host Hoda Kotb, Heming Willis was visibly moved when asked whether Bruce, 68, is aware of what is happening to him. She replied with emotion, “It’s hard to know,” before adding, “Dementia is hard. It’s hard on the person diagnosed, it’s also hard on the family. That is no different for Bruce, or myself, or our girls.”
Reflecting on the emotional toll of the diagnosis, Heming Willis described the process of coming to terms with the situation. “When they say this is a family disease, it really is. I think it was the blessing and the curse, to finally understand what was happening, so I can be into the acceptance of what it is. It doesn’t make it any less painful, but just being in the acceptance, and being in the know of what is happening to Bruce, makes it a little bit easier.”
Since the news of Bruce’s condition, Emma has kept fans updated through social media, allowing them insight into the couple’s journey. The actor’s family, including his three grown daughters from his previous marriage to Demi Moore, are rallying around him as he faces the disease.
As a “care partner,” Heming Willis emphasized the importance of transparency within their family. “We’re a very honest and open household,” she said, highlighting the importance of explaining Bruce’s condition clearly to their children. “The most important thing was to be able to say what the disease was, explain what it is, because when you know when the disease is from a medical standpoint, it all makes sense.”
She expressed her determination to remove any stigma attached to dementia, emphasizing that the family is choosing to focus on the positive aspects of their lives, despite the challenges. “There are so many beautiful things happening in our lives. It’s really important for me to look up from the grief, and the sadness, so I can see what is happening around us,” she said, adding, “Bruce would really want us to be in the joy of what is.”
Heming Willis concluded by reflecting on the strength she’s drawn from her husband, calling him “the gift that keeps on giving. Love, patience, resilience.” She also noted that being out of her comfort zone to speak publicly was a testament to Bruce’s influence, saying, “This is the power of Bruce.”
The Willis family first made Bruce’s health struggles public last year, with his official diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia revealed in February.
