'Continue to flourish': Tony Bennett's inspiring message on Alzheimer's helped Emma Heming take care of Bruce Willis

The legendary singer, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2016, died at the age of 96

PUBLISHED JUL 22, 2023

Bruce Willis' wife Emma Heming Willis reflects on what Tony Bennett taught her about Alzheimer's disease (Noam Galai/Theo Wargo/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Emma Heming Willis, the wife of actor Bruce Willis, shared a heartfelt reflection on the lessons she learned from the legendary singer Tony Bennett about Alzheimer's disease. After Bennett's death at the age of 96 on Friday, July 21, Emma took to Instagram to express her memories of their friendship.

"An evening spent with Tony and Susan was the best NY date night one could ever ask for," she shared next to photos of her and her husband, 68, with Bennett and his wife, Susan Benedetto, on Instagram. Emma, 45, added that Bennett had a "kind, graceful, and gentle demeanor" and his talent inspired "awe and admiration."

Tony Bennett performs onstage during the 17th Annual A Great Night In Harlem at The Apollo Theater on April 04, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images)

'Has and will forever be so meaningful and impactful to me!'

Emma highlighted the impact of Bennett's 2016 Alzheimer's disease diagnosis on his career noting the "cognitive challenges." "It was a beautiful reminder that we should never allow society to dictate or dismiss anyone because of their cognitive challenges but instead to continue to flourish," Emma added, sharing that it was something that "has and will forever be so meaningful and impactful to me."

Bruce Willis and Emma Heming attend the "Glass" New York Premiere at SVA Theater on January 15, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)

Emma's husband was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in February. While FTD is often confused with Alzheimer's disease, but refers to a group of brain disorders affecting the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. Since Bruce's diagnosis, Emma has been dedicated to raising awareness about brain health.

Bruce Willis and wife Emma Heming Willis attend the "Motherless Brooklyn" Arrivals during the 57th New York Film Festival on October 11, 2019 in New York City.
(Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Film at Lincoln Center)

'So I guess I have a new purpose!'

"I am going to turn my grief and my anger and my sadness and do something good around something that feels less than," she shared in a video posted to her Instagram page in March. "So, watch this space because I didn't come to play." Emma has taken action by creating a supplement brand focusing on brain health in women's wellness routines, using her platform to share what she's learned and create change.

"I'm able to call an expert and speak to some of the most incredible doctors. So I guess I have a new purpose, and I'm so excited that I'm able to share what I'm learning with everyone," she told People. "It's like a fire's been lit. It's my new purpose, and here I am. I hate that it's me. I wish it wasn't, but you know what? I'm not going to be quiet. I am going to use my voice and through action, awareness, and conversation, that creates change."