.jpg)
53 minutes ago
2
Emma Heming Willis Reveals Family Is ‘Constantly in a State of Grief’ Amid Bruce Willis’ Dementia
Emma Heming Willis is sharing a vulnerable glimpse into her family life.
The model detailed the grief she feels as husband Bruce Willis continues his battle with frontotemporal dementia (FTD).
“It is extremely difficult and painful,” Emma told Hello! In an interview published Sept. 7. “It's natural, we all want our loved ones to be healthy, full of life and being the person they always were. But FTD is a devastating illness that steals things from you very slowly. So the reality is that you find yourself constantly in a state of grief.”
Though the 50-year-old—mom to their kids Mabel, 14, and Evelyn, 12—has found ways to work through mourning the life she shared with Bruce, including writing her book The Unexpected Journey to help caregivers of loved ones with dementia, she admitted she feels guilty for taking time for herself.
“The reality is that guilt is something I still struggle with daily,” she explained. “When you are a care partner and you have to navigate a situation like this, it's practically impossible not to feel guilty. But I've learned that I can't allow that feeling to consume me, because it's a huge waste of time and energy.”
And in her family’s time of need, she’s learned to lean on her village, which also includes Bruce’s ex-wife Demi Moore as well as their daughters Rumer, 38, Scout, 35, and Tallulah, 32.
“The key lies in understanding that I am part of a family where every single one of us has decided to show up for Bruce, always looking for a way that is healthy for everyone,” Emma explained. “Each one of us has their own relationship with him that's unique and special.”
Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
“What has been truly beautiful to see throughout this process is how we all pour our hearts into supporting him—how deeply we love him, while completely respecting the way each person chooses to express that love,” she added. “I think the balance we've found is simply a reflection of who Bruce is at his core; it’s the result of all the love and support he planted over the years coming right back to him now.”
The 71-year-old's family shared he was diagnosed with FTD—an umbrella term for diseases that affect the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, which are associated with personality and behavior, per Mayo Clinic—in 2023.
Since then, the Willis family have put on a united front amid the patriarch’s condition, which Emma shared has been especially difficult to explain to their youngest daughters.
“It’s a really delicate balance to strike,” she said. “Guiding them through something like this—through any serious illness, really—is an enormous challenge. But despite how tough things get, I always try to remind myself that it could be so much worse.”
Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Film at Lincoln Center
“At the end of the day, what our daughters are experiencing and witnessing at home every single day is a masterclass in pure love,” she continued. “They see how much we support their dad, how deeply we love him and how we stand by him through thick and thin. It’s wonderful for them to see everyone rallying together: family, friends... absolutely everyone has formed a protective ring around him.”
As such, amid the difficult moments Emma sees the lessons her and Bruce’s daughters are learning from this experience.
“I think there’s something genuinely beautiful about them growing up with that sense of unity,” she added. “Yes, it’s heartbreakingly hard, but my daughters are learning the true meaning of loyalty, devotion and unconditional love.”
Keep reading for all of Bruce’s sweetest family moments…
Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for goop
Blended Family
Bruce Willis stepped out with wife Emma Hemming Willis to celebrate the release of ex Demi Moore's 2019 memoir Inside Out. He was joined by his three daughters with the G.I. Jane actress, Rumer Willis, Scout Willis and Tallulah Willis.
Instagram/Emma Heming Willis
Adventure Is Out There
In 2021, Bruce and Emma went on a hike with their daughters Evelyn Willis and Mabel Willis.
Instagram/Demi Moore
Big 7-0
In March 2025, Demi posted this family photo of herself with Bruce and Tallulah. "Quality time with our BW," she wrote in celebration of the actor's 70th birthday. "Who was feeling the love! Keep it pouring in!"
Instagram/Demi Moore
Heap of Love
Bruce received a big cuddle from his three oldest daughters and Demi in 2025.
Instagram / Rumer Willis
Daddio's Little Girl
"Oh Daddio, to be loved by you is such a gift," Rumer wrote in an Instagram tribute to her father in March 2024. "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. I am your first baby and man sometimes I wish I could be tiny enough to just cozy up on your chest again and laugh and cuddle you."
Instagram / Demi Moore
Tallulah's 30th Birthday
In February 2024, Demi shared this pic of her ex-husband with the youngest of the three daughters they share together, writing, "Showering our @buuski with love today on her 30th birthday."
Instagram / Emma Willis
"Grateful and Thankful"
In November 2023, the actor celebrated his first Thanksgiving since being diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia earlier that year. His wife Emma shared this photo from Bruce's 68th birthday party from March.
"I’m grateful and thankful to know this kind of love," she wrote. "Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving."
Phil Faraone/VMN18/Getty Images For Comedy Central
All Smiles
The actor posed with his ex-wife and their daughters Rumer and Tallulah backstage at his Comedy Central roast in 2018.
Three Generations
Bruce became a grandpa in April 2023 when Rumer welcomed a baby girl named Louetta.
Newest Addition
The entire family got together to celebrate the birth of Rumer's baby.
Instagram/Emma Heming Willis
Backstage Buddies
Bruce had two special vistors when he starred in Broadway's Misery in 2016.
Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic
Broadway Bunch
The family showed up in full force to support Rumer's 2015 Broadway debut as Roxie Hart in Chicago.
Instagram/Emma Heming Willis
Feeling Festive
"I put my camera on a ladder, set the timer, and crossed my fingers," Emma captioned this family Christmas photo. "Now that’s 2020 for you."
Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for goop
Movie Date
Bruce took his three oldest daughters to the Over the Hedge premiere in 2006.
Instagram/Emma Heming Willis
Sweet Kisses
The dad of five shared a sweet moment with daughter Mabel.
Chris Polk/FilmMagic
Giving Back
Tallulah, Scout and Rumer joined their dad at a Bruce Willis Charity Foundation in 2005.
Instagram/Emma Heming Willis
Dancing With the Fam
The family celebrated Rumer's Dancing With the Stars win with Val Chmerkovskiy.
Instagram/Rumer Willis
Polaroid Memories
"What a privilege it is every day to be your daughter," Rumer captioned this throwback photo. "I love you so much. You are the coolest cat in town."
Instagram/Emma Heming Willis
A Birthday to Remember
Emma rang in her 43rd birthday in 2021 with Bruce and their daughters, as well as Rumer and Demi.
'Tis the Season
The family spent Christmas 2022 together.
Gregg DeGuire/WireImage
Star Status
Bruce was joined by mom Marlene and his three oldest daughters when he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2006.
Instagram/Emma Heming Willis
Happy Haunts
The action star dressed up with Mabel and Evelyn on Halloween 2021.
Instagram/Tallulah Willis
Getting Silly
Tallulah jokingly captioned this photo of herself and dad Bruce making silly faces, "high drama club."
Instagram/Emma Heming Willis
Snow Squad
Evelyn and Mabel hit the slopes during a family ski trip.
Gregg DeGuire/WireImage
Gang's All Here
The family, including Demi's then-husband Ashton Kutcher, stepped out to watch Rumer in 2008's The House Bunny.
Instagram/Emma Heming Willis
Disney Magic
Bruce and Emma took their kids to Walt Disney World in 2017.
Instagram/Emma Heming Willis
Proud Parents
"First time performing in a play for these two!" Emma wrote on Instagram 2018. "Mabel played Molly and Evelyn as Sandy in an Off-off-off-off-off-off Broadway [winking emoji] production of Annie. The whole cast and production was stellar—Mom and Dad couldn’t be prouder."
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App
English (US)