Emma Heming Willis opens up about how her daughters, Mabel and Evelyn, cope with Bruce Willis’ frontotemporal dementia diagnosis, revealing the family’s grief, love, and resilience as they navigate the emotional and daily challenges of his condition while cherishing every moment together.

Emma Heming Willis, wife of legendary “Die Hard” actor Bruce Willis, spoke candidly this week about the emotional toll her family has faced since Bruce’s diagnosis with frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

In an exclusive interview, Emma detailed how their two daughters, Mabel, 13, and Evelyn, 1, are grappling with the reality of their father’s condition, revealing a side of the family rarely seen by the public.

The conversation took place on October 14 at Emma’s Los Angeles home, where she invited reporters into a private setting to discuss the challenges of balancing family life with Bruce’s ongoing health struggles.

She reflected on the past year, which has been defined by both love and uncertainty.

“Our kids are incredibly resilient, but they grieve their dad every single day,” Emma shared, her voice trembling with emotion.

“Even little Evelyn, at just one year old, senses something is different.

She notices when Dad can’t do what he used to.

Mabel asks questions I can’t always answer, and we just hold each other a lot.”

Bruce Willis, 68, publicly revealed his FTD diagnosis in March 2022, shocking fans worldwide.

FTD, a degenerative brain disorder affecting personality, behavior, and language, has gradually impacted his daily functioning and ability to continue acting.

Emma described how the couple has adapted to these changes in a way that prioritizes their daughters’ emotional well-being.

“We try to maintain a sense of normalcy,” Emma explained.

“They go to school, play, laugh, and we celebrate the little victories, like a smile or a clear sentence from Dad.

But grief is part of it too—we allow them to feel it because it’s real.”

Emma also reflected on her own journey navigating the emotional weight of Bruce’s illness.

She emphasized that being open with the children, rather than shielding them entirely, has been key to helping them process the situation.

“We don’t sugarcoat anything, but we focus on love and family,” she said.

“Our home is filled with routines that give Mabel and Evelyn security.

We talk about Dad’s days, we share memories, and we cry together when we need to.”

Photographs shared during the interview showed Bruce and his daughters enjoying simple moments at home: baking cookies, drawing, and playing in the backyard.

Emma highlighted that these ordinary activities have become profoundly meaningful in the wake of Bruce’s diagnosis.

“Every hug, every laugh feels sacred now.

We’ve learned to cherish the present,” she said.

“Our kids grieve, but they also experience love and joy in ways that are deep and unforgettable.”

Friends close to the family have praised Emma’s transparency and the couple’s focus on family unity.

Actor and longtime friend John Krasinski commented, “Emma has been incredible.

She’s balancing everything with such grace, making sure the kids understand that even though Dad is sick, love and laughter still fill their home.”

Emma also addressed the support they receive from medical professionals and therapy.

She noted that Mabel, being older, participates in counseling sessions to help process her emotions, while Evelyn engages in play therapy that encourages expression and understanding at her own developmental level.

“Mental health is a priority for our family,” Emma said.

“The girls need tools to navigate their feelings, and we make sure they have that support every step of the way.”

Bruce, meanwhile, has been seen attending family outings with Emma and the children, although his interactions are now shorter and require more assistance.

Emma described a recent trip to a pumpkin patch in Connecticut where Bruce attempted to help Evelyn pick out a pumpkin.

“He was smiling, laughing, holding her hand—it was beautiful,” she recalled.

“Mabel noticed how much effort it took for him, and she just held his arm and cheered him on.

That’s resilience, that’s love.”

The Willis family has become an unexpected source of inspiration for fans and the FTD community, shedding light on how families cope with degenerative illnesses while maintaining love and connection.

Emma emphasized that their story is not just about loss, but about learning to embrace every moment.

“Grief is intertwined with gratitude,” she said.

“Our kids understand that their dad is still here in every way that matters, and that gives us all strength.”

Emma concluded the interview by acknowledging the broader implications of her family’s journey.

“I hope sharing our experience helps other families going through similar challenges,” she said.

“It’s okay to grieve, it’s okay to feel sad, but it’s also okay to laugh, to hug, and to love.

That’s what carries us forward.”

As Bruce Willis continues to navigate life with FTD, the focus for Emma and their daughters remains on creating a nurturing and loving environment where grief and joy coexist, honoring both the legendary career of Bruce and the enduring strength of the Willis family.