Emma Heming Willis gave a heartfelt update on the status of Bruce Willis as he continues his battle with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Speaking with Diane Sawyer during ABC’s August 26 special Emma & Bruce Willis: The Unexpected Journey, she revealed the challenges and small victories in their daily life navigating the disease.
Emma shared that while Bruce remains physically active and mobile, his cognitive abilities have significantly declined.
“Bruce is in really great health overall. It’s just his brain that is failing him,”
she said. The progression of his dementia has affected his speech, but the family has adapted new ways to connect and communicate.
“We’ve learned to adapt, and we have a way of communicating with him, which is just a different way,”
Emma explained.
Family Connection Remains Strong Despite Memory Loss
Though Bruce sometimes does not recognize Emma, he still shows affection and responds warmly to his loved ones’ presence. Emma described how his mood brightens and he reciprocates emotions when surrounded by family.
“When we are with him, he lights up,”
she said.
“He’s holding our hands, we’re kissing him. We’re hugging him. He is reciprocating. He is into it.”
She emphasized that emotional bonds matter more to her than specific memories or recognition.
“That’s all I need. I don’t need him to know that I am his wife, we were married on this day. I don’t need any of that. I just want to feel that I have a connection with him, and I do,”
Emma stated.
Moments of Clarity Offer Glimpses of the Old Bruce
Despite the relentless decline in his condition, Emma described occasional moments where Bruce’s personality shines through. Recalling a recent interaction with their daughter Mabel, 13, she shared a touching exchange.
“There was one day, Mabel and I, we were helping Bruce into another shirt,”
Emma said.
“Mabel looked at her daddy’s tummy and was like, ‘Ooh, daddy’s getting fat. Daddy’s got a big tummy.’ Bruce looked at her and said, ‘You think I’m fat?’”
These rare instances of verbal communication bring both joy and bittersweet emotions to the family. Emma described how hearing Bruce laugh or seeing his characteristic smirk transports her briefly back to who he was before his diagnosis.
“Mabel and I looked at each other like ‘Oh my gosh’ because we really have not heard him be able to put words together in so long,”
she said.
“It’s his laugh. He has such a hearty laugh, and sometimes you will see that twinkle in his eye or that smirk. I just get transported.”
However, she admitted how painful it is when those moments fade so quickly:
“It’s just hard to see that because as quickly as those moments appear, then they go. It’s hard. But I’m grateful that my husband is still very much here.”
The Role of Caregiver and Advocate
As Bruce’s primary caregiver, Emma has embraced a new mission beyond managing the day-to-day realities of the illness. She has become an advocate for others facing similar struggles, focusing on the present instead of dwelling on the past.
“It’s really hard for me today to go back in time to remember even the fun because I am so caught up in today,”
she said candidly.
“Or what today looks like and walking this journey with him today, that I can’t remember.”
She reflected on the emotional toll the disease has taken on her own memories of Bruce.
“I just have a really hard time remembering who he was,”
she shared.
“Sometimes, it’s just easier for me to stay in the what is. It’s hard to look back.”
Strong Support System Within a Blended Family
Bruce and Emma’s family includes daughters Mabel, 13, and Evelyn, 11, as well as Bruce’s three older daughters with ex-wife Demi Moore: Rumer, 36, Scout, 33, and Tallulah, 31. Despite the complexities of a blended family, they are tightly knit and committed to supporting Bruce through his health challenges.
In past public appearances, Bruce was often seen alongside his wife, daughters, and Demi Moore, highlighting ongoing family unity. In 2019, Bruce and Emma attended the release event for Demi’s memoir, with Bruce joined by Rumer, Scout, and Tallulah, demonstrating the closeness among the family members.
Family Adventures and Celebrations Through the Years
Despite health hurdles, Bruce and Emma have created cherished memories with their daughters through various family activities. In 2021, they went on a hiking trip with Mabel and Evelyn, emphasizing their love of the outdoors and strong family bonds.
Celebrations remain important to the Willis family. In March 2025, Demi posted a family photo marking Bruce’s 70th birthday, praising the outpouring of affection he received.
“Who was feeling the love! Keep it pouring in!”
she wrote, showing the support surrounding Bruce during this time.
Expressions of Love from Bruce’s Children
Bruce’s daughters have publicly expressed their deep affection for their father despite his illness. Rumer posted an Instagram tribute in March 2024, celebrating the kindness and humor her father has shown throughout his life.
“Oh Daddio, to be loved by you is such a gift,”
she wrote.
“You are the funniest, most tender, charming, out of this world silly talented and magical papa. Looking through these photos this morning I am just filled with the deepest gratitude that we chose to spend this life together.”
Special Family Milestones and New Generations
Amidst the challenges, Bruce became a grandfather in April 2023 when Rumer welcomed her daughter, Louetta. The whole family came together to celebrate the arrival of the newest member, a moment of joy and hope for everyone involved.
In February 2024, Demi posted a photo celebrating her daughter Tallulah’s 30th birthday, remarking on the love showered upon Bruce, further illustrating the family’s ongoing closeness and shared affection.
Holiday Gatherings and Cherished Traditions
Bruce experienced his first Thanksgiving with the family since his diagnosis in November 2023, a milestone that underscored the importance of being surrounded by loved ones. Emma shared a heartfelt message of gratitude during this holiday season.
“I’m grateful and thankful to know this kind of love,”
she wrote, adding,
“Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving.”
Holiday moments like Christmas continue to bring the family together, as seen in joyful photos of festive celebrations and shared memories.
Support Through Public and Private Appearances
Over the years, Bruce’s family has been a constant source of encouragement across public events. From early moments like Bruce receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2006 with his mother Marlene and daughters to more recent appearances, including backstage support at Rumer’s Broadway debut in 2015 and his 2018 Comedy Central Roast, the unity remains strong.
Emma also finds pride in their daughters’ achievements, sharing moments of family pride such as Mabel and Evelyn’s participation in theater productions, and celebrating Rumer’s win on Dancing With the Stars alongside Val Chmerkovskiy.
Fun Family Moments Capture the Lighter Side of Life
Despite the intensity of living with dementia, the Willis family sees the importance of joy and silliness. Photos showcase Bruce sharing playful moments with his daughters, including joking around with Tallulah or spending time skiing with Mabel and Evelyn, ensuring that laughter remains part of their story.
Emma’s candid and hopeful approach amid overwhelming challenges exemplifies the strength and resilience of the family unit as they confront this difficult journey together.
