Bruce Willis’ wife reveals how she told daughters their father couldn’t live at home anymore

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Emma Heming, the spouse of Bruce Willis, is disclosing insights into a particularly distressing phase in their family’s experience with his dementia diagnosis – the moment when she had to inform their children that their father could no longer reside at home.

In 2023, the legendary figure associated with Die Hard, aged 70, received a devastating diagnosis of Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD). This heartless disease progressively erodes a person’s ability to communicate effectively and express their unique personality traits.

Since then, he has chosen to stay away from Hollywood, whereas Emma has assumed the responsibility of navigating their family through the challenging transitions.

Married for 16 years, the couple share two daughters, Mabel, 13, and Evelyn, 11.

Last week, Emma disclosed that making the difficult choice of relocating Bruce to a specialized living facility, equipped with a dedicated 24/7 care team, has been her toughest decision. As his health deteriorates, this setup ensures he receives constant care.

In her latest publication titled “The Unexpected Journey: Discovering Resilience, Optimism, and Identity Along the Caregiving Road,” Emma narrates the poignant instance when she had to tell her daughters about the heartrending news that forever changed their lives, a moment she characterizes as both sorrowful and transformative.

I explained to them that Daddy’s condition has progressed to a stage where his care needs to be specifically catered to his individual requirements. Similarly, it is important for you to be in an environment that can meet your specific needs at this time. (Emma wrote, per TooFab)

Furthermore, your father would likely be delighted if you had playdates, sleepovers, and increased freedoms – experiences that have been limited thus far. This would bring him great joy.

Emma attempted to make things easier for Mabel and Evelyn by explaining that Bruce’s new place was essentially like their “secondary home.

She shared that the house served as a storage space for their personal items such as toys, art supplies, swimwear, pajamas, and games. They invited us to visit whenever it was convenient for them.

As a devoted admirer, I’d put it this way: Despite the agonizing struggle, I, much like Emma, believe her decision aligns with Bruce’s wishes for our cherished family.

Despite having lived with Bruce’s illness for such a prolonged period and comprehending the situation, making this decision was still filled with uncertainties and pain for us, she confided, as it prioritized Bruce’s overall wellness and safety, which in turn, enabled our young children to flourish.

To put it bluntly, I’m still hurting deeply. This isn’t just any man, he’s my partner, my husband, and our future wasn’t supposed to be apart. It’s hard to fathom such a scenario, one that we hadn’t imagined or planned together. Indeed, it’s a tale that seems more fitting for fiction than reality.

The book unfolds following the disclosure when Emma shared about the heart-rending day she discovered her spouse was heading towards a life with dementia.

She informed People on Friday that it seemed like the doctor was explaining Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), but she didn’t manage to catch any of what he said.

I felt like pins and needles were pricking my whole body. My ears seemed to be filled with a faint, mysterious sound. I’m convinced he was giving us valuable information, but all I could make out was ‘Come back later’ and a suggestion of reading a pamphlet.

Although the diagnosis provided an explanation for Bruce’s concerning behavior shifts, Emma expressed that she felt disoriented due to the absence of guidance or assistance following the revelation.

She confessed that while it was relieving to finally receive a diagnosis, learning that the disease had no cure was deeply distressing, and the lack of any form of support afterwards felt extremely traumatic for her.

‘It’s not just happening to us. This is how many people are receiving their diagnosis.’ 

Just like many other American families dealing with a loved one’s dementia, Emma was at a loss for guidance following Bruce’s diagnosis, unsure of the best course to take.

With little guidance from doctors, she turned to her own research.

‘I ended up searching the web to figure out what to do,’ she admitted.

That period, she recalls, was profoundly isolating and ‘bleak.’

‘Early on, life felt very dark, very one-note of just grief and sadness,’ she explained.

As the main caretaker, Emma expressed feeling burdened, managing Bruce’s requirements, ensuring his confidentiality, and bringing up their two little girls primarily by herself.

Eventually, she began carving out a way forward. 

Instead of relying solely on medical professionals, she sought support from peers facing similar challenges, and derived a strong motivation from advocating openly for her cause.

At first, I was so frightened that I didn’t speak up to anyone. It seemed as though the events unfolding were exclusive to us. (She said this.)

I came to understand that discussing this issue could help increase public knowledge, encouraging people to seek medical attention earlier. This early detection might lead to faster diagnoses and possible enrollment in clinical trials.

As someone deeply immersed in this journey, my personal experiences with neurodegenerative diseases have molded my latest work, “The Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope, and Yourself on the Caregiving Path.” This book serves as a compass for families embarking on similar odysseys.

She shared that she penned a book which, if given to her on the very day of our diagnosis, would have been immensely helpful.

‘Caring for others can be challenging, especially when those individuals don’t have much assistance. My survival strategy is to extend a helping hand to another person, so they won’t feel as isolated.’

Following information from a family confidant reported by The Daily Mail, her comments were made subsequent to concerns about Bruce’s health, as he appears to be rapidly declining and now struggles to recognize familiar faces.

Bruce is surrounded by support from his extended family during his illness, with Demi Moore, his former wife, and their daughters – Rumer (age 37), Scout (age 34), and Tallulah (age 31) – standing by him.

Bruce’s daughters are reportedly making every effort to spend a lot of time with him, and it is mentioned that he always brightens up upon seeing his children.

Recently, Emma disclosed that the most challenging choice she made during his care involved relocating him to a standalone, single-story dwelling, which is distinct from their main home.

He resides there with a dedicated round-the-clock care staff, with Emma frequently visiting him, even for meals such as breakfast and dinner, along with their daughters Mabel and Evelyn.

As a lifestyle consultant, I’d rephrase it like this: “Emma expressed that Bruce would prefer our girls to grow up in a home designed around their unique requirements, rather than catering to his preferences.

During a shared ABC special titled “Emma and Bruce Willis: An Unforeseen Voyage,” the pair disclosed their story.

Following the airing of the broadcast, Emma shared on Instagram that she had faced criticism online regarding her decision to move Bruce into a different home.

She asserted that she was unfairly judged too hastily, distinguishing between viewers who merely held opinions and those who had personal experiences.

In the Diane Sawyer special, Emma clarified that although Bruce remains quite active, it’s unfortunate that his brain health is deteriorating, while the rest of his body appears to be in excellent condition.

She stated, ‘We communicate with him in a unique manner, yet I’m incredibly thankful. Indeed, I am deeply appreciative that my spouse remains very much present with us.’

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2025-09-11 18:37