Bruce Willis’ Wife Shares Update: Actor Now Living in Second Home Amid Dementia Battle
Bruce Willis’ wife, Emma Heming Willis, is speaking candidly about the difficult decisions her family has faced as the legendary actor continues his fight against frontotemporal dementia (FTD).
In a moving interview for the new ABC special Emma and Bruce Willis: The Unexpected Journey, Emma revealed that the Die Hard star now lives in a nearby “second home” with a full-time care team, while she and their daughters continue to split time between the two houses.
“One of the Hardest Decisions”
Emma admitted that moving Bruce into a separate home was a heartbreaking choice — but one made out of love for their family.
“It was one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make,” she told ABC News’ Diane Sawyer. “But I knew, first and foremost, Bruce would want that for our daughters. He would want them to be in a home tailored to their needs — not his.”
The couple, married since 2009, share two young daughters, Mabel (13) and Evelyn (11). Bruce also has three daughters with his former wife, Demi Moore: Rumer (37), Scout (34), and Tallulah (31).
A Home Filled With Love and Laughter
Emma explained that the single-story home was chosen to make life easier for Bruce, allowing him to move freely and comfortably. The location also ensures that friends and family can visit regularly.
“We are there a lot. It’s our second home, so the girls have their things there. It is a house filled with love, warmth, care, and laughter — and it’s been beautiful to see that,” she said.
Emma also shared how heartwarming it has been to witness Bruce’s friends continuing to visit and bring joy into his life. “They bring in life and fun,” she said.
Bruce Willis’ Health Journey
Bruce Willis, 70, is one of Hollywood’s most iconic stars, best known for roles in Die Hard, Moonlighting, The Fifth Element, Pulp Fiction, and Sin City.
In 2022, his family announced that he was stepping away from acting after being diagnosed with aphasia, a condition that impairs communication. In early 2023, doctors confirmed that his condition had progressed to frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a rare and incurable disorder that affects behavior, speech, and memory.
Despite the challenges, Emma emphasized that Bruce remains physically strong.
“He’s still very mobile and in really great health overall — but his brain is failing him,” she explained.
She added that while language is fading, the family has found new ways to communicate. “We’ve learned to adapt. We have a different way of communicating with him now.”
Holding On to Moments That Matter
Though the disease has altered much of their daily life, Emma said the family treasures the glimpses of Bruce’s personality that still shine through.
“It’s his laugh — he has such a hearty laugh. Sometimes you see that twinkle in his eye or that smirk, and I just get transported.”
For Emma and their daughters, these moments are reminders of the man they love — not just the Hollywood star, but the husband and father whose presence still fills their lives with joy.
A Legacy of Strength
Bruce Willis’ journey is a sobering reminder of the impact of dementia, but also of the power of love, resilience, and family. As Emma continues to balance caregiving with raising their children, she hopes sharing their story will inspire compassion and greater awareness of frontotemporal dementia.
