Bruce Willis' Wife Updates Fans On His Battle With FTD: 'Dementia Is Hard'

This article has been updated since its original publication date to include new info

In February of this year, the world learned that megastar Bruce Willis, 68, had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia after initially suffering from aphasia, prompting his retirement from acting. As his disease seemingly progressed, his wife Emma Heming Willis, 45, has updated fans about his deteriorating health as well as her journey as a caregiver on social media, and most recently opened up about life with the Assassin actor in an emotional interview on The Today Show.

On Monday, September 25th, which kicked off World Frontotemporal Dementia Awareness Week, Heming Willis candidly told Today anchor Hoda Kotb that “dementia is hard,” referring to both the person who is diagnosed and the person’s family members. Willis shares two daughters, Mabel, 11, and Evelyn, 9, with his wife Emma, whom he married in 2009. He was previously married to Demi Moore from 1987 to 2000, and they share three daughters; Rumer, 34, Scout, 31, and Tallulah, 29.

Emma Heming Willis Tells Hoda Kotb That Dementia ‘Really Is’ A Family Disease

“It’s hard on the person diagnosed, it’s also hard on the family,” Heming Willis confessed. “And that is no different for Bruce, or myself, or our girls. When they say this is a family disease, it really is.” She went on to say that neither she nor the rest of their family can really tell if the Die Hard star is fully aware of his condition, saying quite frankly, “It’s hard to know.”

She went on to say that her husband’s diagnosis was “the blessing and the curse,” adding: “To finally understand what was happening so that I could be into the acceptance of what is — it doesn’t make it any less painful, but just being in the know of what is happening to Bruce makes it a little easier.”

Heming Willis also added that the Paradise City actor is “the gift that keeps on giving,” as he taught their two daughters things like “love, patience and resilience,” saying: “It’s teaching them so much and how to care and love, and it’s really a beautiful thing amongst the sadness.”

Bruce Willis' Daughters React To Their Step-Mom's Interview

The Apex actor's daughters Tallulah and Scout reacted to their step-mom's most recent update about their dad's dementia. "So proud of my family @emmahemingwillis," Tallulah wrote on Instagram on Monday.

Scout went into a little more detail on social media, writing: "I truly could not be more proud of @emmahemingwillis for being willing to step out into the public eye, (even though it’s terrifying!!!) to share our family’s story in service of spreading awareness about FTD. Emma you are such a champion for this cause and you inspire me every single [expletive] day with your bravery and deep deep loving. Your courage is moving mountains."

Emma Heming Willis Previously Gave Emotional Update On Bruce’s Condition And Her Daily Life

Heming Willis shared a heartfelt message with fans and other caregivers on social media back in August, saying that she is working hard every day to find "something beautiful" to focus on. In the emotional Instagram video, which she dubbed a "care partner PSA," Emma invited her followers to share images of "something beautiful" from their lives and not dwell on the "doom and gloom," which the former model admitted can be difficult.

In the caption to her video on August 14th, Emma wrote: "This is a care partner PSA…My message is simple. When we are not looking after ourselves, we are no good to the people we love who we want to show up for and take care of." She continued: "I don’t have this down to a fine-science either, but I try. It’s an affirmation I use daily so it’s kept in the forefront of my mind. Your pictures, words of support and love for me and my family were felt. Honestly, thank you, it helps." Emma added, "I ask that you’ll consider to keep looking for that one beautiful thing or moment in your day."

Emma has been Bruce's caregiver since his diagnosis, with the role holding a special place in her heart, as her own mother was diagnosed with Alzheimers at the young age of 55. Though social media tends to paint a happy picture, Emma admitted in the video that though "I know it looks like I'm out living my best life," it's an every day effort. "I do that for myself, I do that for our two children and Bruce, who would not want me to live any other way... I'm not good. But I have to put my best foot forward for the sake of myself and my family. The Make Time Wellness entrepreneur also emphasized that, for caregivers, "When we are not looking after ourselves, we cannot look after anyone that we love."

Willis/Moore Families Shared Heartbreaking Dementia Diagnosis In February

In an Instagram post shared by the 'Ladies of Willis/Moore' in February of this year, the blended Willis/Moore family shared a sweet image of patriarch Bruce Willis posing on a beach with a smile. In the caption, they wrote, "Our family wanted to start by expressing our deepest gratitude for the incredible outpouring of love, support and wonderful stories we have all received since sharing Bruce’s original diagnosis. In the spirit of that, we wanted to give you an update about our beloved husband, father and friend since we now have a deeper understanding of what he is experiencing."

The caption continued, "Since we announced Bruce’s diagnosis of aphasia in spring 2022, Bruce’s condition has progressed and we now have a more specific diagnosis: frontotemporal dementia (known as FTD). Unfortunately, challenges with communication are just one symptom of the disease Bruce faces. While this is painful, it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis." Frontotemporal dementia, as reported by NBC News, refers to a "collection of disorders that primarily affect the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain." The diseases that fall under this umbrella are "neurodegenerative," meaning they get worse over time.