Bruce Willis’ wife says separate living arrangements ‘prepare’ kids for his death
Emma Heming Willis has shared why her family decided to set up a separate home for Bruce Willis as part of his dementia care — a choice that has drawn online criticism but, she says, was made with his safety and comfort in mind.
Speaking on CBS Mornings, Emma explained that caregiving looks different for every family.
“I knew it was coming because caregivers are judged all the time,” she said. “Each caregiving journey is our own. The most important thing is to do what’s safest for your loved one and your family.”
Bruce Willis, 70, was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) after retiring from acting in 2022 due to cognitive health struggles. Since then, his blended family — including his three daughters with Demi Moore and two with Emma — has been navigating this difficult chapter together.
“I’m so blessed to have them on this journey,” Emma said. “Our life has become very simple, and there’s something beautiful about being fully present in these fleeting moments.”
Sharing Her Story to Help Others
Emma has released a new book, The Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope, and Yourself on the Caregiving Path, where she opens up about Bruce’s diagnosis and the lessons she’s learned as a caregiver.
She hopes the book will give other caregivers practical advice and encouragement.
“Caregivers are constantly exhausted from making decisions,” she said. “Sometimes you just want someone to tell you what to do. I wanted this book to offer real, actionable help.”
A neurologist once told Emma that caregivers often face higher health risks, with mortality rates 63% higher than average for their age group. That wake-up call pushed her to prioritize her own well-being.
She also acknowledged how hard it can be for caregivers to ask for support:
“I didn’t know I was allowed to ask for help. I thought being self-sufficient was strength. But I’ve learned raising your hand doesn’t mean failure — it means survival.”
The Early Signs of Bruce Willis’ Condition
Emma recalled the subtle changes she first noticed in Bruce — small breakdowns in communication and routines that no longer felt aligned. When the diagnosis came, she was left stunned by the lack of direction.
“I walked out with no hope, no guidance, nothing,” she said. “That’s when I realized I had to turn this traumatic moment into something meaningful — and that’s where this book comes from.”
The Unexpected Journey is now available, offering insight, compassion, and support for families facing the challenges of dementia care.
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