Bruce Willis, beloved for his role in “Die Hard,” left the spotlight in 2022 due to being diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a decision that impacted his family and fans deeply. In the latest Bruce Willis health update, his daughter Rumer Willis and wife Emma Heming Willis have opened up about the intense emotional challenges of the holiday season as they adapt to Bruce’s ongoing care in Los Angeles.
Rumer Willis Reveals the Realities of Her Father’s Health During the Holidays
In a recent Instagram Q&A on November 27, 2025, Rumer Willis, Bruce’s daughter, discussed how her father’s FTD diagnosis continues to affect family life, especially during the holidays. Describing the process as devastating, Rumer emphasized the difficulties families face when dealing with incurable illnesses amid celebrations that would otherwise bring joy. She highlighted the resilience the family has developed as they navigate these times together, constantly seeking moments of positivity despite the sorrow.
During the Q&A, Rumer shared:
“Doing OK, in terms of somebody who’s dealing with frontotemporal dementia, anybody with FTD is not doing great. I’m so grateful that when I go over there, and I give him a hug, whether he recognizes me or not, that he can feel the love I’ve given him, and I can feel it back from him. That I still see a spark of him, and he can feel the love that I’m giving. So that feels really nice.”
— Rumer Willis, Actress
Rumer’s candid words reflect the family’s struggle but also their gratitude for the moments of connection they still experience with Bruce, even as memory and recognition fluctuate. The family continues to focus on creating meaningful time together, prioritizing love and presence over the traditional aspects of holiday celebrations.
Emma Heming Willis on Family Adaptation Amidst Diagnosis
Shortly after Rumer’s statement, Emma Heming Willis spoke publicly at the End Well 2025 conference in Los Angeles, addressing how Bruce’s diagnosis has transformed their family’s approach to the festive season and daily life. Emma, a model, actress, and author, emphasized the importance of adapting long-held traditions to accommodate Bruce’s changing needs while keeping his love for Christmas alive within the family dynamic.
Emma reflected on Christmas with Bruce:
“It’s joyous. It’s just different. Bruce loved Christmas, and we love celebrating it with him. It just looks different, so we’ve kind of adapted to that. I think it’s important to put Die Hard on because it’s a Christmas movie.”
— Emma Heming Willis, Model-Actress-Author
The Willis family has had to adjust not only their holiday traditions but also their perspective on daily life. Although challenges persist, Emma notes that simplicity and presence have been at the heart of their adaptation:
“You have to learn and adapt and make new memories, bring in the same traditions that you had before. Life goes on. It just goes on. Dementia is hard, but there is still joy in it. I think it’s important that we don’t paint such a negative picture around dementia. We are still laughing. There is still joy. It just looks different. I think that just being able to be present with him is the joy. Being able to be his wife with him. Those are the moments.”
— Emma Heming Willis, Model-Actress-Author
Emma’s comments illustrate the intensely emotional yet hopeful energy the family brings to each day. Despite the harsh reality of Bruce’s declining condition, they remain committed to celebrating him and cherishing every moment they have together, underscoring the transformative power of love and small joys in the face of adversity.
The Journey from Diagnosis to Advocacy
The family revealed Bruce Willis’s frontotemporal dementia diagnosis publicly in 2022 after earlier referencing his battle with aphasia. Initially, details were kept private as the family navigated the emotional turmoil of his health challenges. Since coming forward with the diagnosis, Emma has become active in advocating for dementia awareness, utilizing interviews, her social media presence, and her book,
“The Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope, and Yourself on the Caregiving Path.”
At the End Well conference, she participated in discussions on dementia care alongside Yvette Nicole Brown, sharing her experience and providing support for other caregivers facing similar situations.
In addition to advocacy, Emma highlighted the ongoing process of learning, acceptance, and maintaining hope, even when daily routines grow more demanding. She has spoken about the importance of not attaching too much stigma or negativity to dementia, instead focusing on moments of laughter and togetherness that still exist amidst the challenges.
Transition to Around-the-Clock Care
Bruce Willis no longer lives at his family’s main residence; instead, he now resides nearby where he receives continuous care. This significant change was discussed publicly by Emma Heming Willis in August 2025 at the Endwell Health 2025 event in Los Angeles. She addressed how this decision was made with the family’s safety and Bruce’s well-being in mind, ensuring that he would receive the attention required by his condition. Emma described the transition:
“This is the best decision for our family. It was the safest one. And our family is now, in essence, thriving.”
— Emma Heming Willis, Model-Actress-Author
While it was an emotional and difficult step, Emma explained that the arrangement has allowed the family to maintain a sense of stability and, in her words, to thrive despite the pressures and uncertainties that come with FTD.
What Lies Ahead for the Willis Family
As the Willis family faces another holiday season coping with Bruce’s ongoing health challenges, they remain united and emotionally resilient. Through openness, adaptation, and unwavering focus on togetherness, they have provided a candid glimpse into what daily life and festive occasions can look like for families managing degenerative neurological conditions.
Their willingness to speak about Bruce Willis’s health update offers support for other families in similar circumstances, encouraging understanding and a renewed appreciation for small but meaningful joys. As Emma and Rumer continue to adapt their traditions and cherish moments with Bruce, their message underlines the importance of love, flexibility, and presence in the face of adversity.
