It has been nearly three years since Bruce Willis retired from acting after being diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Since the announcement, his wife, Emma Heming Willis, has become a strong voice for awareness, sharing honest updates about their family’s emotional journey. In a recent interview with Vogue Australia, she opened up about how their two daughters are handling life as their father continues his battle.
Mabel, 13, and Evelyn, 11, are facing what Heming Willis describes as an ongoing process of grief. “I think they’re doing well, all things considered. But it’s hard. They grieve. They miss their dad so much. He’s missing important milestones. That’s tough for them,” she said. Still, she acknowledged their strength, adding, “Kids are resilient… They’re learning, and so am I.” The openness from Bruce Willis’ family continues to highlight the human side of living with a loved one’s illness.
Emma Heming Willis On Navigating Grief And Resilience
According to Men’s Journal, Heming Willis has made it her mission to raise awareness about frontotemporal dementia and the challenges caregivers face. Her new book, The Unexpected Journey, reflects her personal experiences and the emotional realities of being both a wife and caregiver. She even revealed that at one point, she considered separating from Bruce Willis as she struggled to adjust to their new normal.
“I’ve had to learn to walk alongside the grief,” she shared. “It’s always with me… but I’m also not going to just allow it to be this one note.” Despite the hardship, she emphasizes that moments of happiness still exist. “Bruce [is] still laughing and smiling and has that twinkle,” she said. “There are just beautiful moments that exist. We still have joy, and we still have laughter in our lives with Bruce.”
Finding Joy In The Midst Of Struggle
Even as Bruce Willis’s condition continues to progress, his family is focused on cherishing the good days. Heming Willis says she has learned to balance grief with gratitude, finding strength in everyday moments. “It could still be so much worse,” she reflected, choosing to see hope even in the most difficult seasons.
For the Willis family, laughter remains an anchor. Heming Willis describes their home as one still filled with light and love, despite the challenges. “We still have joy, and we still have laughter in our lives with Bruce,” she shared. It’s a reminder that even in illness, Bruce Willis continues to bring comfort and connection to the people who love him most.