Hollywood star also discusses their enduring family bond as Bruce Willis battles frontotemporal dementia
Demi Moore has shared a heartfelt update on her ex-husband, Bruce Willis, as he continues his battle with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The Die Hard star’s family first revealed his diagnosis in February 2023, following his retirement from acting due to aphasia, a condition that affects speech and language comprehension. Since then, Willis has been surrounded by love and unwavering support from his family.
The Substance actress, 62, was married to Willis from 1989 to 2000, and the former couple share three daughters—Rumer, 36, Scout, 33, and Tallulah, 31. Speaking to Variety, Moore reaffirmed the strength of their family unit despite their separation.
“We will always be a family, just in a different form,” she said.
“For me, there was never a question. I show up because that’s what you do for the people you love.”
Willis, now 69, also has two younger daughters, Mabel, 12, and Evelyn, 10, with his wife Emma Heming, 46. Moore, who visits Willis weekly, remains committed to supporting her daughters, Emma, and the family they have built together.
A testament to co-parenting after divorce
Moore has been vocal about her commitment to co-parenting with love and respect, even after her marriage to Willis ended.
“I hope it’s encouraging for others to see that there’s a different way to do things,” she explained.
“There is life after divorce. There is a way to co-parent with love.”
Her remarks echo sentiments she shared with CNN in December, where she gave an update on Willis’s condition, describing it as “stable”.
“Given the givens, he’s in a very stable place at the moment,” she told the outlet.
Moore also spoke about the importance of accepting loved ones for where they are in their journey, particularly when dealing with neurodegenerative diseases.
“It’s so important for anybody who’s dealing with this to really meet them where they’re at. And from that place, there is such love and joy.”
Emma Heming Willis on supporting their children
Last month, Emma Heming Willis opened up about the realities of caring for someone with FTD, as well as her approach to supporting their young daughters.
Speaking to Town & Country Magazine, Heming explained that she has been open and honest with her children about their father’s condition.
“This disease is misdiagnosed, it’s missed, it’s misunderstood. So finally getting to a diagnosis was key so that I could learn what frontotemporal dementia is and I could educate our children,” she said.
“I’ve never tried to sugarcoat anything for them. They’ve grown up with Bruce declining over the years. I’m not trying to shield them from it.”
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Heming has previously spoken about the emotional toll of being a caregiver but remains dedicated to ensuring Willis receives the best care possible.
Demi Moore’s career milestone amid personal challenges
Despite the emotional challenges of watching a loved one battle dementia, Moore is also experiencing a career high.
The actress has earned her first-ever Oscar nomination for Best Actress for her role in The Substance. She is also nominated in the same category at next Sunday’s BAFTAs, marking a significant milestone in her decades-long career.
Moore’s performance in The Substance has been widely praised, with critics hailing it as one of her most powerful roles to date. While she is celebrating this professional achievement, she remains fully committed to supporting Willis and their extended family.
A family united through love and strength
Bruce Willis’s battle with dementia has been a deeply personal and emotional journey for his loved ones. However, through Moore’s unwavering presence, Heming’s dedication, and their children’s resilience, the family continues to navigate this difficult time with grace and unity.
Moore’s update serves as a reminder that love, care, and support transcend the complexities of relationships, proving that family bonds endure even in the face of life’s greatest challenges.
