Emma Heming Willis has paid tribute to her husband Bruce Willis three years after his frontotemporal dementia (FTD) diagnosis, posting a rare photograph of the actor on Instagram. In the caption, she described him as the "driving force" behind her advocacy work and called him a "legend."
Tribute for FTD Awareness Week
The post was shared to mark World Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) Awareness Week. Emma, 50, wrote that Bruce, 71, was the reason she advocates for better support for those living with the illness. The accompanying photo shows Bruce in a white top with doodles, a grey hat, and sunglasses.
In the caption, Emma wrote: "I can't go through World FTD Awareness Week without talking about Bruce. He is the driving force behind my advocacy. He has opened so many doors for me in this work, and I will continue to walk through them."
Building on his legacy
She added that she knew he would be "proud" to know that "he is helping families living with FTD, other forms of dementia and their care partners be seen and heard." Emma concluded: "In this next chapter of his life, Bruce continues to build on his legacy. He is, and always will be, a f*****g legend. And I am so proud to be his wife."
The comments section was filled with messages of support, including from his daughter Scout Willis, whom he shares with ex-wife Demi Moore. Scout wrote: "I'm so proud of you, I love you so much Emma." Fans also shared their admiration, with one writing: "Such an icon!!! Everyone loves Bruce Willis!" and another adding: "You are both incredible humans."
Life after diagnosis
Bruce was diagnosed with FTD in 2023, after previously being diagnosed with aphasia, a neurological disorder. Since the diagnosis, he and Emma, who married in 2009, have largely stepped away from the public eye. Emma acts as his primary caregiver, though Bruce lives in a separate home from his wife and their daughters, Mabel and Evelyn, and has a full-time care team.
FTD is a rare form of dementia affecting the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. It is progressive and often leads to changes in personality, behaviour, or language. Bruce's condition primarily affects his communication and language skills.
Ahead of her 50th birthday, Emma spoke to Hoda Kotb on the Making Space podcast about feeling guilt over celebrating while her husband is ill: "I always wrestle with it, you know? I think guilt is something that I am always carrying, but I’ve learned that it is really not helpful. What I know is I always go back to what would my husband want for me?"
