Emma Heming reveals how her daughters, Mabel and Evelyn, are grieving their father Bruce Willis’ battle with frontotemporal dementia, showing the emotional toll on the family while highlighting their love, resilience, and efforts to maintain normalcy amid the heartbreaking challenges of his diagnosis.

Bruce Willis's Wife Reveals Their Children 'Grieve' Amid His Dementia Battle

Emma Heming Willis has shared a deeply emotional look into how her and Bruce Willis’ two children, Mabel, 13, and Evelyn, 1, are coping with their father’s ongoing battle with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), shedding light on the private moments of grief and resilience that have defined the family’s daily life since the actor’s diagnosis.

Speaking candidly in an interview this past week, Emma described the emotional toll the illness has had not only on Bruce but also on their daughters, emphasizing how the family strives to maintain normalcy while navigating the challenges of a degenerative condition that has impacted one of Hollywood’s most iconic action stars.

The conversation took place at Emma’s Los Angeles residence, where she invited reporters to discuss both her personal experiences and the broader awareness she hopes to bring to FTD, a condition that affects personality, behavior, and language.

“Mabel and Evelyn may be young, but they understand that something serious is happening with their dad,” Emma explained, her voice tinged with both sadness and determination.

“They grieve in their own ways, and it’s our job as parents to help them process that grief while still celebrating the moments of joy and love that remain.”

Emma recalled specific instances that highlighted the children’s sensitivity to their father’s condition.

“Mabel asked me last week why Daddy sometimes gets confused or angry, and it broke my heart to explain that his brain isn’t working like it used to,” she shared.

“Evelyn may not fully comprehend the situation, but even at 1 year old, she senses the changes, the emotions in the house.

It’s a family journey, and it’s not easy.

 

Emma Heming Willis Says Her and Bruce Willis' Kids “Grieve” Him Amid FTD  Diagnosis

 

” The actress and entrepreneur also emphasized the importance of honesty with children in these situations, noting that shielding them from the reality of a parent’s illness can sometimes create more anxiety than understanding.

Bruce Willis, 68, was first diagnosed with FTD in 2022, prompting him to step back from acting to focus on his health and family.

Since the announcement, the couple has strived to keep their private lives as normal as possible, though Emma admitted the adjustment has been challenging.

“We try to maintain routines that remind them of the good times,” she said.

“Family movie nights, simple games, and stories about the adventures they’ve had with Dad all help to keep a sense of stability.”

Emma also spoke about the role of extended family and friends, revealing that Bruce’s co-stars and former colleagues have reached out to support the family.

“It’s incredible to see the community around Bruce,” she said.

“People he’s worked with for decades have sent messages, shared memories, and even created small moments of happiness for the girls.

It reminds us that while FTD changes lives, it doesn’t erase the love and support around us.”

Adding depth to the conversation, Emma touched on the challenges of balancing public attention with private grief.

The family has been open at times to sharing Bruce’s journey publicly, hoping to raise awareness of FTD, but Emma acknowledged the delicate line between transparency and intrusion.

“We’ve had to set boundaries,” she explained.

“It’s one thing to educate and share, it’s another to expose your children to scrutiny.

 

Emma Heming Willis Says Bruce Willis' Kids “Grieve” Him

 

Mabel is at an age where she understands that people are curious, and we want to protect her and Evelyn as much as possible.”

The Willis family’s story has resonated with fans worldwide, many of whom have expressed admiration for how Emma and Bruce have navigated such difficult circumstances.

Emma expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support, noting that it has given her strength to continue advocating for those affected by FTD.

“Every message we receive from families who are experiencing similar challenges reinforces why it’s important to talk about this disease,” she said.

“It’s about connection, understanding, and compassion.”

Emma concluded the interview with a reflection on her late husband’s legacy as both a father and actor, emphasizing that while the disease may limit his physical or cognitive abilities, the love he shares with his children remains steadfast.

“Bruce has always been a devoted father,” she said, her eyes glistening.

“Even when FTD makes things difficult, he’s still Dad.

And that’s what the girls will remember—the laughter, the lessons, and the love that can never be taken away.”

In the wake of this heartfelt disclosure, Emma Heming Willis continues to advocate for awareness of frontotemporal dementia, while also providing insight into how a family can navigate the emotional complexities of watching a beloved parent face a degenerative illness, demonstrating resilience, courage, and unwavering love in the process.

The story of the Willis family is a poignant reminder of the human side of celebrity, where fame intersects with deeply personal challenges, and where even Hollywood legends must confront the realities of illness, family, and enduring bonds.