Bruce Willis’ wife, Emma, gives health update: ‘Hard to know’ if he’s aware of his condition

In a TODAY exclusive, Bruce Willis's wife, Emma, shares an update on his battle with frontotemporal dementia and opens up about how she explains it to their daughters. "I don't want there to be any stigma or shame attached to their dad's diagnosis or for any form of dementia," she says. Willis is joined by Susan Dickinson, CEO of The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, to bring awareness to the disease.

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#brucewillis #dementia #health

[katrinagrossius]

I can tell how much she loves him when she talks about him. It is so dang sweet.

[dianev]

Taking shame away from this disease is so important. To humanize dementia and bring much needed dollars it had to be a superpower, I can only see Bruce Willis in that role. His humor, style and humility cannot be taken by the disease. From Moonlighting to blockbusters, he has given us so much to love and much to lose. Well wishes and prayers for his family, his friends and researchers.

[lisamccaff]

Respect to this woman. She didn’t have to have done that and I am sure it gave comfort to many

[tinydancer]

Emma is so admirable to come into this show and answer, honestly, some of the most painful and pointed questions anyone can ask. She is fighting her tears the whole time and staying composed for Bruce and her family. All my love and respect for all of them. Go Emma!! Your bravery and outreach is so inspiring. Thank you.

[joycemartin]

My heart goes out to this dear family. My niece’s husband died of this at age 39 leaving a wife and three children. It is a very painful journey for everyone. What a brave, beautiful and courageous woman Emma is. How beautiful that there is joy in the midst of pain.

[mariansinger]

I'm going through this with my hubby now. We met each other in 7th grade, fell in love in highschool and
married a year after graduation. We've grown up together as a couple for almost half a century enjoying and working through life as a couple, one united front, strong, together. It's bittersweet to walk together with this disease because they're not the same person you knew and they aren't aware of it. Losing them twice mentally and physically. 😢

[simsimma]

Her humility and love for her husband and children are inspiring

[ourworldfinallyelaine]

My mom passed away from this horrific illness. My heart goes out to anyone going through this. It’s a heartbreaking experience.

[karenguglielmo]

I'm so sorry they're all facing this. I went through it with my mom. I kept a sense of humor and we sang all the time. She didn't forget songs until a couple if months before she passed. The last week was the worst because it physically changed her so severely that when I visited her in the nursing home, I thought they'd moved her to another room and someone else was there...but it was her. That's when I cracked. As I fixed her pillows to straightened her head (more for me than for her), I said. I love you mom. She opened her eyes for the first time in weeks and whispered I love you too. Those were her last words. A few days later she left us to go ve with my dad, the only man she ever loved for over 60 years. Bless anyone going through this.

[CD_RN_Independent_Voter]

The depth of her love for her husband and kindness to others is so apparent. “Care Partner” is such a thoughtful term. Thank you for sharing this meaningful story!

[janicechristophersen]

My husband died 3 yrs ago with this diagnosis. I seem to walk through it alone in 2020 with this very sweet man. Communication was just lots of love and kisses. Your interview helped to hear someone else saw these symptoms. I wish I could have him back. I know he was in there and he knew things were changing but he continued to smile always for me.

[JL-znme]

Bruce is blessed to have such an amazing, loyal, United family. Prayers for Bruce and his family. WE LOVE YOU BRUCE!

[carriewaters]

The Long Goodbye is the hardest loss. Losing who they are and then losing them physically is just heartbreaking. As hard as it is for those who have it, I think it’s hardest on the families and carers. My mother had dementia and to lose her this way and watch the loss of what gave her her dignity was deeply profound and will stay with me forever.

[robind]

My heart goes out to her, Bruce and their family. There is no easy way through this. Sending hugs. ❤

[marnimatikka]

So much beauty in so much sadness. My heart goes out to her and Bruce, their families, and all who love him.

[justylex]

A childhood friend of mine is a friend of Emma’s and I am told that she is a genuinely wonderful person. I have so much respect for how she and Demi have come together to support each other and be one big family. Keeping her and her girls in my thoughts as they go through this with Bruce❤️

[geraldanddebbielyle]

A very open, honest, and difficult interview for Emma. My prayers go out to the Willis family.

[abenakwabuwaa]

Life can be unimaginably cruel sometimes. Wishing the family strength

[jeffethspencer]

I literally have tears running down my face. Many blessings to everyone who has a family member or friend going through this.

[danas]

she's an amazing, caring, down to earth woman.