As Bruce Willis faces the challenges brought on by frontotemporal dementia, his family, including ex-wife Demi Moore, is rallying around him with unwavering support.
This past Thanksgiving was particularly poignant for the Willis family. Over the holiday weekend, Bruce’s daughter Scout shared a heartfelt video on Instagram, capturing moments of her and her famous father, who battles frontotemporal dementia—an incurable brain disorder affecting speech and motor skills—holding hands at a table, along with a photo of her resting his hand against her face.
Bruce’s wife, Emma, also shared a cherished family photo, which included their daughters Mabel and Evelyn, Bruce’s ex Demi Moore, and his older daughters Rumer, Scout, and Tallulah. She expressed, “I’m thankful and grateful to know this sort of love.”
The announcement in March 2022 disclosed that the Die Hard star, at the age of 68, had been struggling with aphasia, a language disorder that impairs the ability to communicate. Then, this past February, it was revealed that his condition had progressed to a diagnosis of FTD. According to the National Institutes of Health, the average life expectancy for those living with this illness ranges from six to eight years, although some medical sources estimate it to be as brief as two years.
Since then, Emma, 45, Demi, 61, along with their children Rumer, 35, Scout, 32, and Tallulah, 29, have been unwavering in their support, staying by his side alongside Mabel, 11, and Evelyn, 9. “Bruce has good days and bad days, but recently there have been more challenging days than good,” shares a source. “This experience has brought the entire family closer together. They are seizing every moment they have with him.”
According to another insider, the whole family is essentially living under one roof. “They’re all together constantly,” says the source. “When Bruce was diagnosed, everyone gathered to ensure he remembers the family and to remind him they love him. Everything revolves around him.” The first source adds, “Bruce receives continuous care, with at least one family member always by his side.”
Rumer, who’s always been very close with her dad, often brings her 8-month-old daughter Louetta over to spend time with her grandfather. “Rumer wants Louetta to know [Bruce],” explains the second source. “She intends for him to be actively involved in Louetta’s life. It’s a very special bond.”
On Father’s Day, she shared a photo of Bruce cradling her baby girl on Instagram, captioning it, “Dad, I’m so lucky to have you, and so is Lou.” The second source continues, “Rumer and her sisters adore their father. They are acutely aware that each day could be his last.”
Bruce is doing as well as can be expected given the severity of his diagnosis. “He is declining, but he’s in great hands with family and friends supporting him. Plus, the healthcare he receives is excellent,” notes the second source, emphasizing that the Pulp Fiction star “is still himself most of the time when he’s mentally and physically able.”
Since Bruce’s diagnosis, his family has been open about their struggles. Over the summer, Emma shared a candid message on social media about the toll caregiving takes, saying, “I know it looks like I’m living my best life. I make a conscious effort every day… for myself, for our two children, and for Bruce, who wouldn’t want me to suffer differently.” During a September appearance on the Today show, she admitted, “Dementia is hard. It’s tough on the person diagnosed; it’s also hard on the family,” adding that it’s challenging to know if Bruce is aware of his condition.
Demi also updated fans on Bruce’s condition during the November 8 episode of The Drew Barrymore Show, sharing that they still enjoy listening to old rock and roll together. “He is the same, which I’ve learned is the best you can ask for,” she told Barrymore. “I feel love when I’m with him, he’s my dad, and he loves me, which is truly special.”
This holiday season is about creating new memories together—while cherishing the old ones. “The focus is on Bruce being surrounded by family and reminding him of festive times past,” shares a third source. “Bruce still treasures the holiday season and loves having his entire family under one roof for music, meals, and old home movies.” The lead source mentions that Rumer, Scout, and Tallulah have been showing their dad childhood photos and sentimental items to uplift his spirits, which “often work.”
Demi plays a big part in the celebrations. The third source reveals that the Ghost star’s “famous coordinating skills” complement Emma’s calm demeanor. “Unfortunately, there’s this ticking clock attached to Bruce’s condition,” adds the source, “but the entire family cherishes their time together, with Demi orchestrating it all.”
The lead source says the blended family has a renewed sense of togetherness and is even considering starting a foundation in Bruce’s name: “They’ve always been a family who gives back together. But now they have fresh ideas about how to help.”
The challenging moments are worth it. “When Bruce is with his kids, it’s sometimes easy to forget that something’s wrong,” the source shares. “The smiles, funny faces, and laughter come easily. He still plays around in his ‘funny dad’ way. There’s a part of him that will always be a big kid at heart.”
The second source adds, “Everyone has come together for Bruce. They’re grateful to have one another.”