Emma Heming Willis recently made a heartbreaking admission that Bruce Willis is living apart from the family as he needs special care.
In a heartbreaking interview for ABC's The Unexpected Journey – A Diane Sawyer Special, Emma discussed her husband's health, his ongoing battle with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and a painful decision she had to make to ensure he received the best care possible.
Bruce Willis, the iconic actor known for his roles in Die Hard, The Sixth Sense, and Pulp Fiction, was first diagnosed with aphasia in 2022, a disorder that affects communication.
His struggles on set - missing lines and appearing confused - prompted his family to announce that he would step away from acting.
Emma shared this news on social media, telling fans: “We are moving through this as a strong family unit,” and assuring them that Bruce would continue to fight and live life fully with their support.
In February 2023, Bruce’s daughter, Rumer Willis, revealed that his condition had progressed to frontotemporal dementia, a degenerative disease that affects language, behavior, and personality.
Rumer’s announcement included a poignant statement about how this shift was both heartbreaking and somewhat of a relief: “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.”
Emma revealed that the first signs of change were subtle but alarming. “For someone who is very talkative and very engaged, he was just a little more quiet,” she recalled. “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.”
2025 - The Decision to Move Bruce to a Separate HomeAs Bruce's condition progressed, Emma faced one of the hardest decisions of her life.
In the ABC special, she explained the emotional toll of deciding to move Bruce into a separate home for specialized care.
“It was one of the hardest decisions that I’ve had to make so far,” Emma said. “But I knew, first and foremost, Bruce would want that for our daughters. He would want them to be in a home that was more tailored to their needs, not his needs.”
The second home, a one-story residence with dedicated care staff, is located close to their primary home. Emma and their daughters, Mabel (13) and Evelyn (11), make regular visits to ensure Bruce remains part of the family’s daily routine.
“We have a way of communicating with him, which is just a different, a different way,” Emma shared, highlighting the resilience and adaptability the family has found as they navigate this challenging time together.
Bruce's three older daughters - Rumer, Scout, 34, and Tallulah, 31, - whom he shares with ex-wife Demi Moore, also remain deeply involved in his care.