Gene Hackman’s passing has triggered grief among fans, colleagues, and friends. The legendary actor, who died in his New Mexico home from extreme heart disease, hypertension, and complicated Alzheimer’s, died after his wife, Betsy, who had died a few days before due to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.
Emma Heming Willis, who has been opening up about caring for her husband, Bruce Willis, after he was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, turned to social media to share her thoughts on an extremely important issue that is often overlooked, especially when caring for people with one illness or the other.
Gene Hackman’s death inspires Bruce Willis’ wife to advocate for caregivers
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In an emotional video posted on Instagram, Emma pointed out that caregivers themselves typically do not receive what they so badly need. Reflecting on Gene and Betsy’s loss, Emma explained that the loss prompted her to speak up for caregivers. She pointed out that most people wrongly believe caregivers have everything under control, without observing the emotional and physical pressure it places on them.
Emma shared her belief that caregivers are just as significant as the people they care for, repeating that the world must show up for them in meaningful ways. Emma acknowledged that caregivers tend to be under duress to be responsible for everything on their own, which sets them up for burnout and loneliness.
Fans react to Emma’s Instagram post
Emma’s genuine message got an overflow of comments from fans and loved ones. In the comment section, they appreciated her heartfelt message, among them being Tallulah Willis, Bruce Willis’ daughter. Tallulah sent a lovely message of encouragement, saying, “I love you so much.”
One of the supporters emphatically agreed with Emma’s words, admitting that caregivers are generally taken for granted: “You are absolutely right Emma.” Another mentioned the shared fear that caregivers have: “Every caregiver’s worst nightmare, that something will happen to us and our person will be left vulnerable. So, so sad…”