Emma Heming Willis, wife of renowned actor Bruce Willis, shared an intimate glimpse into their family’s experience following Bruce’s frontotemporal dementia diagnosis in 2022 during a recent ABC News special hosted by Diane Sawyer. The program, titled Emma & Bruce Willis: The Unexpected Journey, highlights not only Bruce’s current condition but also Heming Willis’s new book aimed at supporting families caring for loved ones with dementia.
Heming Willis emphasized Bruce’s physical well-being despite his diagnosis.
Bruce is still very mobile. Bruce is in really great health overall, you know,
she stated in a preview on Good Morning America.
It’s just his brain that is failing him.
Understanding Bruce Willis’s Diagnosis and Its Impact
The Willis family publicly confirmed Bruce’s frontotemporal dementia diagnosis in 2023, a neurological disorder that predominantly affects behavior and language abilities. For the 70-year-old actor, the most significant challenge has been the gradual loss of his ability to communicate verbally.
Addressing this change, Heming Willis remarked,
The language is going, and, you know, we’ve learned to adapt,
adding,
And we have a way of communicating with him, which is just a … different way.
She also reflected on the enduring joy Bruce brings to their daughters, sharing,
It’s his laugh, right? Like, he has such, like, a hearty laugh. And, you know, sometimes you’ll see that twinkle in his eye, or that smirk, and, you know, I just get, like, transported.
Details on When and Where to Watch the Special
The ABC News special featuring Emma Heming Willis and Bruce Willis will air on Tuesday, August 26, at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Viewers who miss the live broadcast can stream Emma & Bruce Willis: The Unexpected Journey the following day on Disney+ and Hulu. It will also be accessible via ABC News Live and streaming services that include ABC, such as FuboTV.
Insights From Specialists on Dementia and Caregiving
The program includes interviews with neurologists and caregiving advocates who provide expert perspectives on the realities of dementia. Their insights help illuminate the emotional and practical effects the condition has on both patients like Bruce Willis and their families.
Advocating for Caregivers and Embracing Hope
Emma Heming Willis revealed she initially tried to manage Bruce’s care on her own, even going so far as to isolate the family to protect Bruce’s comfort. This experience inspired her to speak out and work toward increasing resources for caregivers everywhere while sharing their personal story publicly.
Despite the hardships, Heming Willis finds gratitude in the fleeting moments of connection with her husband. She reflected,
It’s just hard to see, because as quickly as those moments appear, then it goes. It’s hard. But I’m grateful. I’m grateful that my husband is still very much here,
underscoring the significance of cherishing every presence of Bruce.
