Bruce Willis’ Wife Shares Joyful Holiday Moments Despite Challenges

Emma Heming Willis, wife of actor Bruce Willis, has shared her heartfelt experiences regarding the holiday season as their family adapts to new dynamics following the actor’s diagnosis with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). In an exclusive interview with People magazine, Emma expressed her excitement for the upcoming holidays, emphasizing that they remain filled with love and joy despite the changes they face.

She remarked, “It’s joyous. It’s just different,” highlighting the couple’s commitment to celebrating together. Bruce, who turned 70 on March 19, 2025, has always cherished Christmas, and Emma noted, “Bruce loved Christmas, and we love celebrating it with him. It just looks different, so we’ve kind of adapted to that.”

In 2022, Bruce was diagnosed with aphasia before the more recent FTD diagnosis, leading to his retirement from acting. Since this challenging period, Emma has dedicated herself to raising awareness about FTD and its impact on families through various platforms, including social media. She also authored a book titled The Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope, and Yourself on the Caregiving Path, which provides insights into her experiences as a caregiver.

Emma candidly acknowledged the difficulties that families face during the holiday season when caring for loved ones with dementia. She offered a light-hearted piece of advice for those seeking to maintain festive spirits: “You’ve got to play Die Hard. It counts as a Christmas movie.”

Moreover, she stressed the importance of adaptation, stating, “You have to learn and adapt and make new memories, bringing in the same traditions that you had before. Life goes on. It just goes on. Dementia is hard, but there is still joy in it.” Emma believes it is vital to shift the narrative surrounding dementia, emphasizing that laughter and joy persist even in challenging times.

The couple, married since 2009, shares two daughters, Mabel Ray Willis and Evelyn Penn Willis, in addition to Bruce’s three daughters from his previous marriage to Demi Moore—Rumer Glenn Willis, Scout LaRue Willis, and Tallulah Belle Willis. Despite Bruce’s health challenges, Emma expressed her deep love for him, stating, “Just being in the moment with him brings me all the happiness I need.”

She reflected on the simplicity of their relationship, saying, “I think that just being able to be present with him is the joy. Me being able to be his wife with him. Those are the moments.”

Emma’s book, The Unexpected Journey, is currently available in bookstores, aiming to empower others navigating similar paths. Through her advocacy and personal experiences, she continues to inspire families dealing with the complexities of dementia, demonstrating that joy can coexist with adversity.