Topics: Bruce Willis, Dementia, Health, Celebrity, Film and TV
Bruce Willis' wife Emma Heming Willis has provided a heartbreaking update after revealing that they now live separately.
The Die Hard actor's family confirmed in 2023 he had been diagnosed with frontotemporal degeneration (FTD), after stepping back from acting the previous year.
FTD is an 'uncommon' type of dementia with frontotemporal referring to the two areas of the brain that are most affected; the frontal lobes at the front, and the temporal lobes around the sides.
The incurable disease impacts millions of families across the globe, including Willis', with more than 55 million people living with dementia worldwide.
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In a recent interview with ABC News, Emma revealed that Willis moved out to a second home away from children Mabel, 13, and Evelyn, 11.
While the 47-year-old labeled it as one of the 'hardest' decisions the family has made, she believes it is the right one.
"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," Emma said.
Due to the nature of the disease, Willis lives in a one-story house with a full-time caring team.
"When we go over, either we're outside, or we're watching a movie…it's just really about being able to be there, and connect with Bruce," Emma added.
"It is a house that is filled with love, and warmth, and care, and laughter. And it's been beautiful to see that, to see how many of Bruce's friends continue to show up for him, and they bring in life, and fun."
In a video posted to her Instagram on Friday, Emma addressed the feeling that some people have been too quick to judge regarding the Willis' housing situation.
She said: "What I knew is that by sharing some of our intimate information that we would see these two camps. It would be people with an opinion versus people with an actual experience.
"Nothing changes an opinion quite as powerfully as when you have an experience."
Emma continued: "Even if someone is closely familiar with dementia or the condition you are caring for, they aren't in your home, so they don't know how your person is behaving or your family dynamics.
"The truth is that the opinions are so loud and they're so noisy. But if they don't have the experience of this, they don't get a say, and they definitely don't get a vote."
