Demi Moore recently revealed the “smartest” parenting decision she and ex-husband Bruce Willis made while speaking on the February 6 episode of the WTF With Marc Maron podcast. This significant choice involved relocating their family to Idaho, away from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles, giving their daughters—Rumer, 36; Scout, 33; and Tallulah Willis, 31—a different upbringing, one that has greatly influenced their lives.
In the podcast, Moore explained, “I think I made probably—well, I want to say we made because we did make the decision, Bruce and I, together. Probably the smartest thing we ever did was decide to make our primary residence in Idaho.” This decision, she believes, offered a more serene environment for their children’s development compared to the overwhelming atmosphere of Hollywood.
The actress, who is a Best Actress nominee this year, noted that Bruce’s love for skiing played a role in their choice of Idaho. While she initially had little knowledge of the state, she quickly grew to appreciate its charm. Moore recalled her first visit, stating, “The first time I went, my oldest daughter was 12 days old, and so it was kind of looked at more like ‘this is a getaway in the mountains’ kind of thing.” This initial trip planted the seeds for a life that would provide their daughters with a unique experience, distinct from the celebrity-filled city life in Los Angeles.
As their daughters started school, the family’s situation changed further. Moore shared her concerns about raising children in such an intense environment, explaining, “I grew up where you went to the school closest to your house. And L.A. was a whole overwhelming and perhaps even a little bit intimidating for me as a young mother.” She reflected on the impact of their decision, stating, “I just thought, What are we doing when we could be in this small town in a very different experience for them away from this big world that they’re going to already get so much of?”
This thoughtful approach to parenting reflects Moore and Willis’s desire to create a nurturing and stable home life for their daughters, distinct from their high-profile careers. Moore emphasized, “And so we just made that decision to make it the primary residence.” The choice to embrace Idaho’s more peaceful life had a lasting effect on their daughters, shaping them into well-rounded individuals.
On the podcast, Maron mentioned a conversation he had with Scout regarding their fathers’ health struggles, as Bruce Willis has faced significant challenges after being diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. Moore responded warmly, recognizing both the importance of family and the strength reflected in her daughters, saying, “She’s a great human,” when discussing Scout. Additionally, she spoke of her daughters, highlighting their character: “They are really good, you know, they’re good people, which is nice to be able to say that, reflect that as a truth.”
In February 2023, Bruce Willis’ family released a statement revealing his diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia, following his earlier diagnosis of aphasia in March 2022. Bruce’s family explained the progression of his condition, indicating the heartbreaking realities family members face as they navigate these health challenges together. This context provides insight into Moore’s parenting decision, emphasizing her commitment to creating a supportive and loving environment for her daughters amid such difficulties.
Ultimately, the decision to raise their daughters in Idaho represents a profoundly thoughtful move by Demi Moore and Bruce Willis. In an era where celebrity life can overshadow more traditional family values, they prioritized their children’s growth and wellbeing, ensuring they cultivated essential life skills and emotional resilience in an idyllic setting. This story illustrates how strategic parenting can lead to profound differences in children’s lives, setting a powerful example of love, sacrifice, and wisdom in challenging times.
