Bruce Willis’ wife, Emma Heming, celebrated her 46th birthday on Thursday with an emotional post reflecting on how the dementia-stricken actor marked the occasion.
In February 2023, Bruce’s family announced that the actor had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), less than a year after the 69-year-old retired from acting due to his battle with the brain disease aphasia.
Emma shared a sweet montage of her birthday celebrations – including a photo of her kissing her husband – as she vowed to make the most of her special occasion, just like Bruce had always done.
The montage also showed her dining with the couple’s daughters and their friends, visiting an amusement park and going to the beach.
She wrote: ‘Bruce would call it my “birthday month”. So we should celebrate! I am blessed and thankful to have family and friends (in this video and from afar) who made it so special for me this entire month.
Bruce Willis’ wife Emma Heming celebrated her 46th birthday on Thursday with an emotional post reflecting on how the dementia-stricken actor marked the occasion
“There are still a few days left in June and I’m going to ride this baby out to the end!”
Bruce retired from acting in 2022 as he began his battle with the disease that caused his language skills to deteriorate – and his condition later “worsened” according to a joint statement from his family.
FTD affects the lobes of the brain behind the forehead, which are responsible for behavior, problem solving, planning, and emotions. Symptoms include personality changes, obsessive behavior, and speech problems.
The statement from his wife Emma, ex-wife Demi and five daughters, which was posted on the website of The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, read: ‘Our family wanted to begin by expressing our deepest gratitude for the incredible outpouring of love , support and wonderful stories we have all received since we shared Bruce’s original diagnosis.
“In that spirit, we wanted to give you an update on our beloved husband, father and friend as we now have a better understanding of what he is experiencing.
‘Since we announced Bruce’s aphasia diagnosis in the spring of 2022, Bruce’s condition has progressed and we now have a more specific diagnosis: frontotemporal dementia (known as FTD).
‘Unfortunately, communication problems are just one symptom of the disease Bruce is dealing with. Although this is painful, it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis.
‘FTD is a cruel disease that many of us have never heard of and can affect anyone. For people under 60, FTD is the most common form of dementia, and because it can take years to be diagnosed, FTD is probably much more common than we know.
Emma is pictured with the couple’s daughters Mabel, 12, and Evelyn, nine
Emma celebrated her special day with friends
Emma chatted with her lookalike daughter in another photo
Emma also enjoyed a trip to an amusement park with her girls
She married Willis in 2009 – they are pictured that year
‘Today there are no treatments for the disease, a reality we hope may change in the coming years. As Bruce’s condition progresses, we hope that all media attention can be focused on shining a light on this disease, which needs much more awareness and research.
“Bruce always believed in using his voice in the world to help others and raise awareness about important issues, both publicly and privately.
“We know in our hearts that, if he could today, he would respond by bringing global attention and solidarity to those who also face this debilitating disease and how it impacts so many individuals and their families.
“We are just one family with a loved one living with FTD, and we encourage others facing this challenge to seek out the wealth of information and support available through AFTD (@theaftd, theaftd.org).
“And for those of you fortunate enough not to have personal experience with FTD, we hope you will take the time to learn more about it and support AFTD’s mission in any way you can.
‘Bruce has always found joy in life – and has helped everyone he knows to do the same. It has meant the world to see that sense of caring reflected back to him and to all of us.
“We are so touched 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 allow us to help Bruce live as full a life as possible.”
The statement was signed by Emma, Demi and his daughters Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Mabel and Evelyn.