Emma Heming Willis, the beloved spouse of actor Bruce Willis, has opened up about her approach to educating their two young daughters, Mabel, 12, and Evelyn, 10, about their father's diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The iconic "Die Hard" star was diagnosed with this progressive brain disorder, which causes parts of the brain to gradually deteriorate or cease functioning. In a poignant interview with Town & Country, conducted by former TODAY anchor Katie Couric, Heming Willis, 46, revealed the family's journey following the diagnosis.
"I'm far more resilient now than when we first received the FTD diagnosis," she admitted. "I'm not suggesting it's become easier; however, I've had to adjust to our reality to provide a stable foundation for our children. I strive to maintain a delicate balance between the overwhelming grief and sadness that can surface unexpectedly, and finding moments of joy."
Heming Willis shared her heartfelt approach to helping her daughters comprehend their father's condition. "I've never sugarcoated the truth for them," she stressed. "They've grown up witnessing Bruce's gradual decline. Shielding them from it isn't my intention." She further elaborated that her therapist taught her that if children pose questions, it's a sign they're ready to receive answers.
"Whenever Bruce's struggles were evident, I addressed them with our kids to ensure they understood," she continued. "But this disease is chronic, progressive, and ultimately terminal. There's no cure. While I prefer not to dwell on the terminal aspect with them, nor have they inquired about it, they understand that Daddy won't recover."
Bruce Willis also shares three adult daughters, Rumer, Scout, and Tallulah, with his ex-wife, Demi Moore. In March 2022, his family announced his retirement from acting due to aphasia, a disorder impeding his ability to write and speak. Nearly a year later, in February 2023, they revealed that his condition had worsened, and he had been diagnosed with FTD, the most prevalent form of dementia among individuals under 60.
Tallulah Willis recently provided an update on her father's condition on TODAY. "He's stable, which is both a blessing and a challenge," she shared. "There are painful days, but there's an immense amount of love." She added, "This experience has taught me to cherish every moment. I truly believe we'd be best friends. I feel he's very proud of me. It's crucial to be present in each moment."
Heming Willis confided in Couric about how her role as Bruce's caregiver has transformed her. "We had countless dreams and aspirations for our future together with our girls. Those plans were abruptly torn away. Now, I'm learning to rewrite our story," she reflected. "It may not be the fairy tale I once envisioned, but there are glimmers of hope shining through the cracks."
