Bruce Willis’ Wife Feels “Grief And Sadness” On His 68th Birthday

Mabel Ray Willis via Emma Deming Willis / Instagram

Bruce Steps Away From Acting

In March of last year (2022), actor Bruce Willis’ family revealed his diagnosis with aphasia. The Mayo Clinic describes aphasia as “a disorder that affects how you communicate.”

“Bruce has been experiencing some health issues and has recently been diagnosed with aphasia, which is impacting his cognitive abilities,” his family said. “As a result of this and with much consideration Bruce is stepping away from the career that has meant so much to him.”

This statement was signed by Bruce’s wife Emma Heming Willis, his ex-wife Demi Moore, and his daughters, Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Mabel, and Evelyn.

 

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A post shared by Bruce Willis (@brucewillisbw)

A New Diagnosis

Then, in February of this year (2023), Bruce’s family revealed his new diagnosis. They shared a statement on the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration website.

“Bruce’s condition has progressed and we now have a more specific diagnosis: frontotemporal dementia (known as FTD),” they said. “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.”

Sadly, there are no treatments for FTD. “As Bruce’s condition advances, we hope that any media attention can be focused on shining a light on this disease that needs far more awareness and research,” his family said.

 

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A post shared by Emma Heming Willis (@emmahemingwillis)

Bruce’s Birthday

March 19 was Bruce’s 68th birthday. It was a day of celebration, but also a day of “grief and sadness” for his wife, Emma.

Early on Bruce’s birthday, Emma opened up to her followers in a video on social media. She said:

“Today is my husband’s birthday. I have started the morning by crying as you can see by my swollen eyes and snotty nose.”

Continuing, Emma said people often compliment her strength in the midst of a difficult time. But she knows she has no choice in the matter:

“I always get this message or people always tell me, ‘Oh, you’re so strong…I’m not given a choice. I wish I was, but I’m also raising two kids in this,” she said. “Sometimes in our lives, we have to put our big girl panties on and get to it. And that’s what I’m doing. But I do have times of sadness, every day, grief every day, and I’m really feeling it today on his birthday.”

Emma also shared her feelings in the caption, which read:

“Today is one of those days of feeling the grief and sadness. But the silver lining or the flip side is that I’m so lucky to feel your warmth and love that is directed to my husband and our family. I see your messages, your stories that you share, and all I can say is thank you. Your connection helps me, and I hope it helps you in a small way to know that I see you and I deeply understand your journey as well.”

You can watch Emma’s video below.

 

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A post shared by Emma Heming Willis (@emmahemingwillis)

The Celebration

Later, Bruce’s ex-wife Demi Moore shared a video of his birthday celebration. The sweet clip shows Bruce surrounded by his loved ones. All of them can be heard enthusiastically singing the “Happy Birthday” song in his honor.

The Die Hard actor smiled and cheered along with his family. Next, he blew out the candles on his cake before he high-fived and hugged various members of his family.

“Happy birthday, BW!” Demi captioned the video. “So glad we could celebrate you today. Love you and love our family. Thank you to everyone for the love and warm wishes — we all feel them.”

Watch Demi’s video from Bruce’s birthday celebration below. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.