Bruce Willis’ wife Emma reveals how his dementia diagnosis affected daughters in candid conversation with Hoda Kotb
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: ‘Die Hard’ icon Bruce Willis' wife, Emma Willis, recently opened up about her husband’s latest dementia diagnosis and revealed that it’s teaching their young daughters “how to care and love” on ‘Today’ with Hoda Kotb.
On Monday, September 25, Emma shared her thoughts on Bruce’s recent diagnosis and divulged how she and her daughters are trying to raise awareness about the illness.
Back in 2022, the 68-year-old action star was diagnosed with multiple health conditions.
In March 2022, Bruce received a diagnosis of aphasia, a condition affecting one's ability to speak and comprehend language.
Subsequently, in February 2023, he was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a form of dementia that predominantly affects behavior, communication, and the ability to plan and organize.
Emma Willis talks about Bruce Willis’ dementia diagnosis
On Monday, September 25, ‘Today’ host Hoda Kotb welcomed Bruce Willis' second wife, Emma Willis who opened up about her husband’s condition.
She told Kotb in the NBC studio, “Honestly, he is the gift that keeps on giving.” She further added that as a result of her husband's diagnosis, their two young daughters are learning “love, patience, resilience… so much.”
Emma continued, “And he is teaching me... you know, for me to be out here doing this... this is not my comfort zone but, like, this is the power of Bruce."
Bruce and Emma tied the knot in 2009 and are parents to two daughters, Mabel Ray Willis, aged 11, and Evelyn Penn Willis, aged 9.
In addition to his daughters with Emma, Bruce also has three daughters from his previous marriage to Demi Moore, namely Rumer Glenn Willis, Scout LaRue Willis, and Tallulah Belle Willis.
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Emma Willis opens up on raising awareness about Bruce Willis’ dementia diagnosis
Emma Willis expressed her commitment to raising awareness about her husband's diagnosis.
She stated, "Him and our girls, who are watching - I've got the whole family watching - they're rooting me on. I'm here to raise awareness but also to make them proud."
Emma explained that, despite the challenges posed by her husband's diagnosis, she is actively focusing on appreciating the "many beautiful things happening in our lives."
She emphasized the significance of looking beyond grief and sadness to appreciate what is happening. She noted, "It's just really important to me to look up from the grief and the sadness so I can see what is happening around us."
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She also added, "Bruce would really want us to be in the joy of what is. He would really want that for me and our family."
One of the beautiful aspects she highlighted was the valuable lessons her children are learning as a result of her husband's dementia diagnosis.
Emma expressed her belief in her children's innate greatness, regardless of the circumstances they face. She said, "Listen, I think my kids would be great no matter what, and this is not what I would want for them. But really, like I said, it's teaching them so much — how to care and love — and it's really a beautiful thing amongst the sadness."