Bruce Willis Still Mobile but Losing Language, Wife Says

Bruce Willis’ wife Emma Heming Willis has shared a deeply emotional update on the actor’s health, describing the challenges of living with his ongoing battle against frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The candid remarks came during a Good Morning America preview of the upcoming ABC special Emma & Bruce Willis: The Unexpected Journey, which airs Tuesday, Aug. 26 at 8 p.m. ET.

“Bruce Is Still Very Much Here”

Willis, 70, was first diagnosed with FTD in 2023, a progressive brain disorder that primarily affects language and behavior. In her interview with Diane Sawyer, Heming Willis, 47, revealed that while her husband remains physically well, the disease continues to erode his communication abilities.

“Bruce is still very mobile. Bruce is in really great health overall, you know,” she said. “It’s just his brain that is failing him.”

She explained that the family has learned to adapt as Willis’ language has declined, developing new ways to communicate with him. “The language is going, and, you know, we’ve learned to adapt. And we have a way of communicating with him, which is just a … different way,” Heming Willis said.

Despite the devastating effects of the illness, Heming Willis emphasized that her husband’s presence is still felt. “Not days, but we get moments,” she said. “It’s his laugh, right? He has such a hearty laugh. And sometimes you’ll see that twinkle in his eye, or that smirk, and just get transported.”

She added, “As quickly as those moments appear, then it goes. It’s hard. But I’m grateful. I’m grateful that my husband is still very much here.”

A Family’s Caregiving Journey

Since Willis’ diagnosis, Heming Willis has emerged as a prominent advocate for caregivers, openly discussing the realities of supporting a loved one with dementia. She has written a new book, The Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope, and Yourself on the Caregiving Path, which will be released on Sept. 9.

The book chronicles her family’s experience navigating the challenges of dementia and offers resources and encouragement for others facing similar struggles. The ABC special will expand on these themes, sharing the couple’s story of resilience, adaptation, and love in the face of a devastating condition.

Willis and Heming Willis share two daughters, Mabel, 13, and Evelyn, 11, who are growing up with their father’s illness as part of daily life. Willis also has three adult daughters—Rumer, 36, Scout, 34, and Tallulah, 31—with his ex-wife, actress Demi Moore. Together, the blended family has presented a united front, supporting both Willis and one another through his health battle.

Processing the Diagnosis

Heming Willis was candid about her initial reaction to her husband’s diagnosis. “I was so panicked, and I just remember hearing it and just not hearing anything else,” she admitted.

FTD, which is less common than Alzheimer’s disease but equally devastating, has no cure and progresses gradually, often leading to profound changes in personality and the loss of speech. For Willis’ family, the journey has been one of balancing grief with gratitude for the small, joyful moments that remain.

Looking Ahead

As the family continues to share their experience, Heming Willis hopes their openness will help reduce stigma around dementia and bring awareness to the needs of caregivers. While the path ahead remains uncertain, she remains focused on cherishing the moments with her husband that still shine through.

“Sometimes you’ll see that twinkle in his eye,” she said, holding back tears. “And I just get transported.”

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