Emma Heming Willis has revealed how she and husband Bruce Willis are able to communicate following his diagnosis with frontotemporal dementia (FTD).
The Die Hard star's family had initially addressed his health publicly in 2022, when they revealed that he had been diagnosed with aphasia, a disorder that affects his ability to communicate.
They had noticed something was wrong as Bruce had begun struggling with his lines while on set and began to appear confused.
What has Bruce Willis been diagnosed with?
In February 2023, Bruce’s daughter Rumer Willis revealed that his condition had progressed to frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a degenerative disease that affects behavior, language, and personality.
"Unfortunately, challenges with communication are just one symptom of the disease Bruce faces. While this is painful, it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis," Rumer said.
Emma recalled how the first signs of change were subtle as Bruce, once so talkative and affectionate, became increasingly withdrawn.
“For someone who is very talkative and very engaged, he was just a little more quiet,” Emma said. “When the family would get together, he would kind of just melt a little bit. It felt a little removed, very cold, not like Bruce, who was very warm and affectionate.”
She recently revealed that Bruce, now 70, is now living in a separate home where he can received round-the-clock care.
How do Bruce Willis and his wife communicate?
Emma has now revealed that she and Bruce have their own way of communicating using their "own language" as his illness progresses.
The 47-year-old is aiming to raise awareness of FTD and has published a new book about her and Bruce's experiences with the disease.
Speaking to The Times, she explained: “Bruce and I now have our own language, our own way to be with each other.
"It’s just about sitting with him, walking with him, listening to him as he tries to verbalise in his own language. Hearing him, validating him."
Emma admitted: "It’s hard. FTD is just an unkind disease – it constantly takes. Even when you think it can’t take any more, it takes a little more."
The couple shares two daughters - Mabel, 13, and Evelyn, 11, - and Bruce also has three daughters – Rumer, Scout and Tallulah – from his previous marriage to Demi Moore.
Bruce Willis moves into a separate home to receive round-the-clock care
Emma also addressed the decision to move Bruce into a separate house in the book, titled The Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope and Yourself on the Caregiving Path.
The property is just down the street from their family home but allows Bruce to receive round-the-clock care in an informal setting, rather than having to move into a care home.
Emma admitted it was "one of the hardest decisions I ever had to make", but said it was best for both Bruce and their family.
She explained: "But among the sadness and discomfort, it was the right move – for him, for our girls, and for me. Ultimately, I could get back to being his wife. And that’s such a gift."
She revealed that it allows Bruce to have some independence, including "dude hangouts" with his friends every Friday.
"It’s made such a difference for more friends and family to have their own experience with him without it being my home, without me hovering,” she said. “Or my anxiety of how to manage the guest and their expectations, and then have to see their reactions – their sadness at what is."
She also addressed the move in an emotional interview with Diane Sawyer for The Unexpected Journey – A Diane Sawyer Special.
"It was the hardest thing," Emma shared with PEOPLE in the magazine's latest cover story, explaining that Bruce's condition, which requires a calm and serene atmosphere, made this difficult choice necessary.
The new home, which the family considers their "second home," provides a quiet, safe, and comfortable space, designed to meet Bruce’s specific medical needs, and also allows their children to maintain a sense of normalcy and be free to enjoy their childhood.
“We have two young children, and it was just important that they had a home that supported their needs and that Bruce could have a place that supported his needs," Emma explained.
“The kids can have playdates and sleepovers [again] and not have to walk around tiptoeing.”
She added: "Everything just feels a lot calmer, more at ease now."