Emma Heming has opened up about the difficult decision to move her husband, Bruce Willis, into a separate home due to his frontotemporal dementia diagnosis. The 47-year-old model and author explained that the arrangement has improved life for their two young daughters, Mabel, 13, and Evelyn, 11.
In an interview with People, Heming described the move as 'heartbreaking' but necessary. 'It was the hardest thing,' she said, adding that Willis requires 'a calm and serene atmosphere' that was difficult to maintain with the girls at home. The actor now lives in a one-storey 'second home' nearby, where he receives round-the-clock care.
Heming noted that the separation has allowed their daughters to resume normal childhood activities. 'The kids can have playdates and sleepovers and not have to walk around tiptoeing. Everything just feels a lot calmer, more at ease now,' she said. She also emphasised that the decision was made to support the entire family dynamic.
The model faced backlash after revealing the living situation in an ABC interview, but she defended her choice on Instagram, stating that critics often lack real experience with caregiving. Demi Moore, Willis's ex-wife, also defended Heming, calling her 'masterful' in handling the situation.
Heming's book, 'The Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope, and Yourself on the Caregiving Path', is set for release on 11 September. She acknowledged that grief and sadness are ever-present but added, 'I have learned it's okay for me to also enjoy our life.'
