Bruce Willis spent a heartwarming Thanksgiving surrounded by family, including daughters Scout and Tallulah, amid his battle with frontotemporal dementia (FTD).
The actor’s wife, Emma Heming, recently discussed how she manages her husband’s condition, especially when it comes to their young daughters.
Since his dementia diagnosis, Bruce Willis has been seen mainly through photos and videos shared by his loved ones and during occasional outings in Los Angeles.
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Bruce Willis’ Family Celebrates Thanksgiving With Love And Gratitude Amid FTD Journey
In a recent Instagram post, Willis’ daughter, Scout, shared a photo of the family spending a heartwarming Thanksgiving with the “Die Hard” actor.
In the photo, Bruce, who has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), was seen smiling warmly at Scout, 33, while holding a “Best Dad Ever” plaque.
Scout hugged her father as they shared a tender moment, touching noses, while Tallulah, 30, looked on from the floor.
Tallulah captured the spirit of the day perfectly with her one-word caption: “Grateful.”
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Fans Wish The Actor And His Family A Happy Thanksgiving
In the comments, fans poured out their admiration and support for the family.
One shared: “My dad is the same age as yours, and he too has FTD. Thank you for sharing a glimpse of your story. It helps me feel less lonely on this journey. Sending love and prayers to your family every day.”
Another wrote, “Happy Thanksgiving, ladies! You’re both amazing daughters! I’m sure his heart is full!”
A third added, “I feel like this family really has mastered the true meaning of unconditional love. It is such a beautiful thing to witness! May God fill your days with more of this.”
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Emma Heming Opens Up About Bruce Willis’ FTD Battle And Supporting Their Daughters
Bruce’s family revealed his FTD diagnosis in February 2023 after he retired due to aphasia, a condition that impacts speech and language comprehension.
Since then, the beloved actor has been surrounded by his family’s unwavering support and love.
Last month, Bruce’s wife, Emma Heming Willis, opened up about his battle with dementia, sharing how she approaches the diagnosis with their daughters, Mabel, 12, and Evelyn, 10.
Speaking to Town & Country Magazine, Heming said, “This disease is misdiagnosed, it’s missed, it’s misunderstood. So finally getting to a diagnosis was key so that I could learn what frontotemporal dementia is and I could educate our children.”
The “Red 2” actress emphasized her honest approach, stating that she has “never tried to sugarcoat anything for them.”
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“They’ve grown up with Bruce declining over the years. I’m not trying to shield them from it,” she added.
She continued: “What I learned from our therapist was that if children ask questions, they’re ready to know the answer. If we could see that Bruce was struggling, I would address it with the kids so they could understand, but this disease is chronic, progressive, and terminal.”
Heming revealed that their daughters, Mabel and Evelyn, understand the gravity of the situation. “They know that Daddy’s not going to get better,” she admitted.
However, she is determined not to let the disease define their lives: “I’m not going to let FTD take our whole family down. Bruce wouldn’t want that.” She also expressed hope to help other families navigating similar challenges.
Bruce Willis’ Family Reflects On His Health Journey and Finding Strength In The Present
During the chat, Heming reflected on how Bruce’s childhood stutter initially masked the symptoms of his condition.
“As his language started changing, it [seemed like it] was just a part of a stutter, it was just Bruce,” she said. “Never in a million years would I think it would be a form of dementia for someone so young.”
Amid his health battle, Bruce’s loved ones have kept fans updated throughout his journey, including his ex-wife Demi Moore.
Speaking at the 2024 Hamptons International Film Festival last month, Moore described Bruce’s condition as “stable,” sharing a message of acceptance: “You know, I’ve said this before. The disease is what the disease is. And I think you have to be in real deep acceptance of what that is. But for where he’s at, he is stable.”
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Moore emphasized the importance of embracing the present, adding: “What I always encourage is to just meet them where they’re at. When you’re holding on to what was, I think it’s a losing game. But when you show up to meet them where they’re at, there is great beauty and sweetness.”
Rumer Willis Reflects On Family Bond And Parents’ Unwavering Support Amid Challenges
In an interview with People Magazine at the premiere of her upcoming movie, “Trail of Vengeance,” Rumer Willis reflected on the bond her family shares, expressing gratitude for the love and support her parents, Bruce and Moore, continue to show each other despite their separation.
“I’m so grateful,” Rumer said. “I think one of the most beautiful things to witness about my parents’ relationship still is just their love and support of each other.”
The 36-year-old also spoke about how Moore’s unwavering support has been a source of strength for the entire family.
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“It means so much to me, the way that my mom and I think to all of my sisters and me, the way that my mom shows up for all of us as we are working with it, as she is working with it, even how she is with my other little sisters,” she said.