Emma Heming Willis Opens Up About Husband Bruce Willis’s Frontotemporal Dementia Journey in Hulu Special

In an intimate interview with ABC’s Diane Sawyer for a special titled “Emma & Bruce Willis: The Unforeseen Voyage,” Emma Heming Willis delves into the challenges her husband, renowned actor Bruce Willis, faces living with frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

Diagnosed three years ago, Willis has since stepped away from his career. In this heartfelt conversation, Heming Willis reveals that while Willis remains mobile and relatively healthy, it is his cognitive abilities that are deteriorating.

As explained by the Mayo Clinic, FTD affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, which oversee personality, behavior, and language.

Heming Willis shared that they’ve developed a unique method of communication to cope with Willis’s language loss. She emphasized that their bond remains strong, with daily meals together and enduring affection.

The couple, married since 2009, are proud parents to Mabel, 13, and Evelyn, 11. In addition, Willis shares three adult daughters – Rumer, 37, Scout, 34, and Tallulah, 31 – with his former spouse, actress Demi Moore.

Heming Willis disclosed that she informed their children about their father’s condition early on. Initially choosing to isolate their family to shield Willis from aggravating factors, she eventually recognized the need for additional support. This led her to an arduous decision: moving Willis into a separate, one-story residence equipped with round-the-clock care.

Despite his relocation, Willis remains an integral part of the family. Heming Willis enjoys daily meals and enduring affection with him.

Reflecting on their shared journey, Heming Willis admits to missing normal conversations with Willis but cherishes the moments they still share. If given the chance, she would discuss his well-being, ways to support him better, and alleviate any fears or concerns he may harbor.

The special is now streaming on Hulu and Disney+. Heming Willis’s book about their family’s experience with FTD, titled “The Unforeseen Voyage,” will be released on September 9.