Emma Heming Willis, the wife of Bruce Willis, opened up about their struggles before his dementia diagnosis. Emma, aged 47, revealed that she noticed a change in Bruce’s behavior, with him becoming distant and unrecognizable, leading her to seek medical help.
In her recent memoir titled “The Unexpected Journey,” Emma expressed concerns about their marriage deteriorating and worried that Bruce, aged 70, was not the same man she married. She described feeling like she was waking up next to a stranger due to miscommunications and a lack of connection.
Bruce, known for his role in “Die Hard,” was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) in 2022, following his retirement from acting due to aphasia, a condition affecting communication. FTD, as per the NHS, is a rare form of dementia affecting behavior and language, primarily impacting the front and sides of the brain.
Emma, married to Bruce for 16 years, described the diagnosis as a traumatic experience, realizing there is no treatment or cure for FTD. Despite the challenges, she found solace in understanding that the kind and compassionate man she fell in love with was still present, attributing the changes in Bruce to his condition.
The couple’s journey led Emma to forgive and rekindle her love for Bruce in an unconditional manner. They share two daughters, Mabel and Evelyn, while Bruce has three children from his previous marriage to Demi Moore. Bruce currently resides separately from his family to receive necessary support.
Emma emphasized that the decision for Bruce to live separately was made in the best interest of their family’s well-being, ensuring he receives optimal care. She highlighted that their living arrangement is not up for debate, as it guarantees Bruce’s needs are met consistently.
Married in 2009, Emma and Bruce had a ceremony in Beverly Hills to formalize their union, remaining on good terms with Demi Moore.