Emma Heming Willis shared an emotional Father’s Day tribute to her husband Bruce Willis on June 15, 2025, revealing the profound sadness she experiences while caring for the retired actor amid his battle with frontotemporal dementia. The model and actress posted a rare photograph on Instagram showing Willis embracing one of their daughters, dedicating the message to fathers living with disabilities or diseases.
In her Instagram post, Heming Willis expressed that she was “profoundly sad today” and wished with every cell in her body that things could be different for her husband and lighter for their family. She described how Willis continues to teach their daughters resilience, unconditional love, and the quiet strength found in simply being present despite his declining health.
The 46-year-old noted that symbolic days like Father’s Day stir up intense emotions for her family. She referenced a common phrase used in the frontotemporal dementia community, explaining that the expression “It is what it is” helps ground her and return to acceptance rather than fighting the diagnosis every step of the way.
In additional Instagram stories shared that same day, Heming Willis posted throwback photographs of Willis with their daughters Mabel, 13, and Evelyn, 11. One image showed the 70-year-old actor sitting with both girls at a museum while wearing Ugg boots. She wrote over the photo that she misses and mourns what was, adding that she wants it all back.
Willis was initially diagnosed with aphasia in March 2022, a condition caused by brain damage that impacts communication abilities and understanding of written and spoken language. The announcement coincided with his retirement from a four-decade career spanning more than 100 film appearances, during which he earned one Golden Globe and two Primetime Emmy awards.
In February 2023, Willis’ first wife Demi Moore announced on social media that his condition had progressed to a more specific diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia, also known as FTD. This brain disease affects behavior and communication abilities, representing a significant advancement from his initial aphasia diagnosis.
Rumer Willis, the actor’s eldest daughter with Moore, also shared an emotional Father’s Day tribute on Instagram. The 36-year-old actress admitted that the day was particularly difficult, expressing a deep ache in her chest about wanting to talk with her father and share everything happening in her life. She indicated that she wished she had asked him more questions while he could still communicate about his stories, struggles, and successes.
Despite the challenges, Rumer Willis noted that she tries to remain grateful, recognizing how fortunate she is that Willis remains present in her life. She described being able to hold him, hug him, kiss his cheek, and tell him stories. The actress also mentioned watching how her father’s eyes light up when he sees her two-year-old daughter Louetta, whom she calls Lou.
Willis shares five daughters total across his two marriages. In addition to Mabel and Evelyn with Heming Willis, he has three adult daughters with Moore: Rumer, Scout, 33, and Tallulah, 31. The blended family has shown consistent support for Willis throughout his health decline, frequently sharing updates and tributes on social media.
Heming Willis has become an advocate for caregivers and brain health awareness since her husband’s diagnosis. She is currently working on a book about the caregiving process titled “The Unexpected Journey,” scheduled for release in fall 2025. The book will detail what she has learned from navigating Willis’ condition and supporting their family through the challenges.
Moore provided an update on Willis’ condition in December 2024, telling CNN that he was in a very stable place at that time. She emphasized the importance of meeting people with dementia where they are rather than trying to force them to be someone they once were.
The family celebrated Willis’ 70th birthday on March 19, 2025, with his daughters posting touching tributes across social media. Scout Willis called her father the greatest of all time, while Tallulah Willis expressed pride in bearing his name. The milestone birthday brought the family together to honor the actor despite the ongoing challenges posed by his diagnosis.
Heming Willis concluded her Father’s Day message by encouraging others to celebrate fathers who are present and those carried in memory, signing off with the word “Onward” to represent her family’s continued journey forward despite the difficulties they face.
