Bruce Willis' wife Emma Heming Willis is opening up about the hardships of her husband's health battle.
Earlier this year, Bruce's family announced his diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia, a form of dementia that can cause difficulties in communication. And as Emma—who shares kids Mabel, 11, and Evelyn, 9, with the Die Hard star—recently shared, his health journey has been a tough one.
"What I'm learning is that dementia is hard," she said during the Sept. 25 episode of Today. "It's hard on the person diagnosed, it's also hard on the family. And that is no different for Bruce, or myself, or our girls. When they say this is a family disease, it really is."
As Emma explained, learning the details of the actor health condition "was the blessing and the curse."
"To finally understand what was happening, so that I could be into the acceptance of what is, it doesn't make it any less painful," she shared. "But just being in the know of what is happening to Bruce makes it a little easier."
When asked if Bruce, 68, was aware of his health battle, Emma added, "It's hard to know."
In February, the Sixth Sense star's family—which also includes ex Demi Moore, as well as his eldest kids Rumer, 35, Scout, 32, and Tallulah, 29—opened up about his "more specific" diagnosis, which came nearly one year after he was diagnosed with aphasia.
"Since we announced Bruce's diagnosis of aphasia in spring 2022, Bruce's condition has progressed and we now have a more specific diagnosis: frontotemporal dementia (known as FTD)," their joint statement shared to Instagram at the time read. "Unfortunately, challenges with communication are just one symptom of the disease Bruce faces. While this is painful, it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis."
The Pulp Fiction star's family went on to note that he "always believed in using his voice in the world to help others."
"Bruce has always found joy in life—and has helped everyone he knows to do the same," their statement, continued on the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration website, concluded. "It has meant the world to see that sense of care echoed back to him and to all of us. We have been so moved by the love you have all shared for our dear husband, father, and friend during this difficult time. Your continued compassion, understanding, and respect will enable us to help Bruce live as full a life as possible."
Keep reading to see Bruce's family photos through the years.
(E! and Today are part of the NBCUniversal family.)
Valentine's Day 2024
Love is a beautiful thing," the actor's wife Emma Heming Willis wrote on Instagram, almost exactly one year after his family announced his frontotemporal dementia diagnosis. "Wishing you all a Happy Valentine’s Day."
Tallulah Willis' 30th Birthday Celebration
In February 2024, Demi Moore shared this pic of her ex-husband with the youngest of the three daughters they share together, writing, "Showering our @buuski with love today on her 30th birthday."
"Grateful and Thankful"
In November 2023, the actor celebrated his first Thanksgiving since being diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia earlier that year. His wife Emma shared this photo from Bruce's 68th birthday party from March.
"I’m grateful and thankful to know this kind of love," she wrote. "Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving."
Blended Family
Bruce Willis stepped out with Emma to celebrate the release of Demi's 2019 memoir Inside Out. He is joined by his three daughters with the G.I. Jane actress, Rumer Willis, Scout Willis and Tallulah Willis.
Adventure Is Out There
Bruce and Emma appear on a hike with their daughters Evelyn Willis and Mabel Willis.
All Smiles
The actor posed with his ex-wife and their daughters Rumer and Tallulah backstage at his Comedy Central roast in 2018.
Three Generations
Bruce became a grandpa in April 2023 when Rumer welcomed a baby girl named Louetta.
Newest Addition
The entire family got together to celebrate the birth of Rumer's baby.
Backstage Buddies
Bruce had two special vistors when he starred in Broadway's Misery in 2016.
Broadway Bunch
The family showed up in full force to support Rumer's 2015 Broadway debut as Roxie Hart in Chicago.
Feeling Festive
"I put my camera on a ladder, set the timer, and crossed my fingers," Emma captioned this family Christmas photo. "Now that’s 2020 for you."
Movie Date
Bruce took his three oldest daughters to the Over the Hedge premiere in 2006.
Sweet Kisses
The dad of five shared a sweet moment with daughter Mabel.
Daddy's Girls
Tallulah, Scout and Rumer joined their dad at a Bruce Willis Charity Foundation in 2005.
Dancing With the Fam
The family celebrated Rumer's Dancing With the Stars win with Val Chmerkovskiy.
Polaroid Memories
"What a privilege it is every day to be your daughter," Rumer captioned this throwback photo. "I love you so much. You are the coolest cat in town."
A Birthday to Remember
Emma rang in her 43rd birthday in 2021 with Bruce and their daughters, as well as Rumer and Demi.
'Tis the Season
The family spent Christmas 2022 together.
Star Status
Bruce was joined by mom Marlene and his three oldest daughters when he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2006.
Happy Haunts
The action star dressed up with Mabel and Evelyn on Halloween 2021.
Getting Silly
Tallulah jokingly captioned this photo of herself and dad Bruce making silly faces, "high drama club."
Snow Squad
Evelyn and Mabel hit the slopes during a family ski trip.
Gang's All Here
The family, including Demi's then-husband Ashton Kutcher, stepped out to watch Rumer in 2008's The House Bunny.
Disney Magic
Bruce and Emma took their kids to Walt Disney World in 2017.
Proud Parents
"First time performing in a play for these two!" Emma wrote on Instagram 2018. "Mabel played Molly and Evelyn as Sandy in an Off-off-off-off-off-off Broadway [winking emoji] production of Annie. The whole cast and production was stellar—Mom and Dad couldn’t be prouder."