Bruce Willis’ spouse, Emma Heming Willis, has opened up about her emotional response to his dementia diagnosis.
The renowned Hollywood actor, celebrated for his role as John McClane in the Die Hard series, had to step back from acting in 2022 due to persistent health issues. The 70-year-old’s family initially disclosed his diagnosis with aphasia, a disorder affecting language abilities.
A subsequent announcement from the Willis family revealed that Bruce had been diagnosed with frontotemporal degeneration (FTD), a form of dementia. This condition affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, leading to symptoms such as personality shifts, compulsive behavior, and difficulties with speech. Unfortunately, FTD has no known cure or method to slow its progression.
Bruce’s wife of 16 years, Emma Hemis Willis, has shared her personal experience of receiving the news about his condition. Together, the couple has two daughters, Mabel Ray Willis, 13, and Evelyn Penn Willis, 11. Bruce was formerly married to actress Demi Moore, with whom he has three daughters: Rumer Willis, 37, Scout LaRue Willis, 34, and Tallulah Belle Willis, 31.
Emma is now taking part in her first television interview on this topic with ABC’s Diane Sawyer, discussing their ‘unexpected journey,’ which is also the title of her forthcoming book on Bruce’s diagnosis.
In a promotional clip for the ABC interview, Emma recounted the moment of receiving the diagnosis: “I was so panicked and I just remember hearing it and not hearing anything else. It was like I was free falling…”
Emma has also shared her motivations for writing a book about their journey on her personal website.
Describing her transition into the role of Bruce’s caregiver, she remarked: “Those early stages were deeply isolating. I struggled with a sense of powerlessness, feeling as if I had no control over what was happening to my family.
“At the same time, I was grappling with grief, the loss of the life I had known, all while raising our two young daughters.”
She further explained: “I came to realize that this new reality could easily consume me if I let it. That’s when I reached out for a lifeline.”
After going public with Bruce’s diagnosis, Emma noted the ‘outpouring of kindness and global support’ they received.
She stated: “Going public was the right decision for our family for many reasons: to reduce stigma, raise awareness, and, for me, to connect with a wider community.”
Reflecting on her journey, Emma expressed a wish that she had sought help earlier, saying: “Everything changed when I found the right information, resources, and community to lean on. I began to realize that, even in my new role as a care partner, I still had agency. And with that, I started to find joy, see beauty, and choose hope.”
Emma’s decision to write a book is driven by a desire to assist others facing similarly challenging circumstances.
Globally, over 55 million people live with dementia, a number projected to rise to 139 million by 2050, according to Alzheimer’s Disease International.
Emma Heming Willis’ conversation with Diane Sawyer will be broadcast on Tuesday night (August 26) on ABC.