Bruce Willis’ wife Emma Heming reveals why she no longer lives with him as he battles FTD: ‘One of the hardest decisions’

Emma Heming Willis, wife of Bruce Willis, has finally addressed the rumours surrounding the actor’s deteriorating health. The 49-year-old opened up about her life as her husband’s caregiver since he was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) nearly three years ago. Willis, diagnosed with a rare type of dementia that affects personality, behavior, and language, has mostly remained in special care. Emma says the disease has made Bruce’s communication difficult, though he is otherwise in good physical health. During the conversation, the mother of two also revealed that the two of them now live in separate home.

Bruce Willis and wife Emma Heming live separately

Emma shares two young daughters with Bruce, and the family also includes Bruce’s three daughters from his previous marriage to actor Demi Moore. During a recent appearance in ABC’s special Emma and Bruce: The Unexpected Journey, she spoke about “one of the hardest decisions” she has ever made. Bruce and Emma got married in 2009, and after a decade together, following Bruce’s diagnosis with loss of motor skills and personality changes, Emma revealed that they now live in separate homes, specially designed for his needs. “I knew, first and foremost, Bruce would want that for our daughters,” Emma said. “He would want them to be in a home that was more tailored to their needs, not his needs.” Before this, Emma had started isolating the family at home to reduce noise and agitation for Bruce. She even limited playdates and sleepovers for the girls, realising that loud environments could worsen his condition.

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The separate home, according to her, allows for better care and still keeps family and friends close. Emma visits Bruce twice a day. “We’re there a lot,” Emma said. “It’s our second home, so the girls have their things there.” She added: “It is, you know, a house that is filled with love and warmth and care and laughter. It’s been beautiful to see that, to see how many of Bruce’s friends continue to show up for him, you know, they bring in life and fun.” 

Despite his dementia, Emma claimed  Bruce is still physically healthy and mobile. She continued, “The language is going, and we’ve learned to adapt. We have a way of communicating with him, which is just a different way.” Emma, meanwhile has also written a book called The Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope and Yourself on the Caregiving Path, to help other caregivers deal with similar challenges.  According to estimates, FTD care can cost nearly $120,000 per year, and patients typically live five to eight years after diagnosis