Originally appeared on E! Online
Emma Heming Willis is doing what is best for her family.
As the model continues to navigate Bruce Willis‘ battle with frontotemporal dementia, known as FTD, she revealed that the Die Hard actor now lives with his round-the-clock caregivers, separately from his family.
“It was one of the hardest decisions that I’ve had to make so far,” Emma—who shares daughters Mabel Willis, 13, and Evelyn Willis, 11, with Bruce—explained in ABC’s Aug. 26 special Emma & Bruce Willis: The Unexpected Journey. “But I knew, first and foremost, Bruce would want that for our daughters. He would want them to be in a home that was more tailored to their needs, not his needs.”
Although the 49-year-old doesn’t live at the single-story home with Bruce, she emphasized that they are “there a lot.”
“It’s our second home, so the girls have their things there,” she reflected. “It is a house that is filled with love and warmth and care and laughter. It’s been beautiful to see that—to see how many of Bruce’s friends continue to show up for him. They bring in life and fun.”
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Along with Emma, Mabel and Evelyn, Bruce’s ex-wife Demi Moore and their daughters Rumer Willis, 36, Scout Willis, 33, and Tallulah Willis, 31, also come by to spend time with him.
Although the Willis family has finally found their footing with their new way of life, it didn’t come easily. For Emma, the 70-year-old’s dementia diagnosis left her feeling isolated, which inadvertently affected their girls.
“I felt like what we were going through as a family, what Bruce was going through, was so singular,” she recalled. “I was definitely worried about sleeping and just making sure our house was secure. You have to think about your stove. You have to think about your freezer, refrigerator, the doors.”
With loud sounds sometimes triggering patients with FTD, she decided to stop having playdates and sleepovers at their home.
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“I didn’t know if parents would feel comfortable leaving their child at our home,” she explained. “Not only was I isolated, I isolated our whole family. The girls were isolated, too, and that was by design. I was doing that. That was a hard time. That was a really hard time.”
Although things are far from perfect, Emma—who began treatment for depression, along with hiring professional care—has found gratitude in the little things.
“When we are with him, he lights up,” she explained. “He’s holding our hands, we’re kissing him. We’re hugging him. He is reciprocating. He is into it.”
“That’s all I need,” she added. “I don’t need him to know that I am his wife, we were married on this day. I don’t need any of that. I just want to feel that I have a connection with him, and I do.”
For more moments of Bruce lighting up with his loved ones, keep reading.
Blended Family
Bruce Willis stepped out with wife Emma Hemming Willis to celebrate the release of ex Demi Moore’s 2019 memoir Inside Out. He was joined by his three daughters with the G.I. Jane actress, Rumer Willis, Scout Willis and Tallulah Willis.
Adventure Is Out There
In 2021, Bruce and Emma went on a hike with their daughters Evelyn Willis and Mabel Willis.
Big 7-0
In March 2025, Demi posted this family photo of herself with Bruce and Tallulah. “Quality time with our BW,” she wrote in celebration of the actor’s 70th birthday. “Who was feeling the love! Keep it pouring in!”
Heap of Love
Bruce received a big cuddle from his three oldest daughters and Demi in 2025.
Daddio’s Little Girl
“Oh Daddio, to be loved by you is such a gift,” Rumer wrote in an Instagram tribute to her father in March 2024. “You are the funniest, most tender, charming, out of this world silly talented and magical papa. Looking through these photos this morning I am just filled with the deepest gratitude that we chose to spend this life together. I am your first baby and man sometimes I wish I could be tiny enough to just cozy up on your chest again and laugh and cuddle you.”
Tallulah’s 30th Birthday
In February 2024, Demi shared this pic of her ex-husband with the youngest of the three daughters they share together, writing, “Showering our @buuski with love today on her 30th birthday.”
“Grateful and Thankful”
In November 2023, the actor celebrated his first Thanksgiving since being diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia earlier that year. His wife Emma shared this photo from Bruce’s 68th birthday party from March.
“I’m grateful and thankful to know this kind of love,” she wrote. “Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving.”
All Smiles
The actor posed with his ex-wife and their daughters Rumer and Tallulah backstage at his Comedy Central roast in 2018.
Three Generations
Bruce became a grandpa in April 2023 when Rumer welcomed a baby girl named Louetta.
Newest Addition
The entire family got together to celebrate the birth of Rumer’s baby.
Backstage Buddies
Bruce had two special vistors when he starred in Broadway’s Misery in 2016.
Broadway Bunch
The family showed up in full force to support Rumer’s 2015 Broadway debut as Roxie Hart in Chicago.
Feeling Festive
“I put my camera on a ladder, set the timer, and crossed my fingers,” Emma captioned this family Christmas photo. “Now that’s 2020 for you.”
Movie Date
Bruce took his three oldest daughters to the Over the Hedge premiere in 2006.
Sweet Kisses
The dad of five shared a sweet moment with daughter Mabel.
Giving Back
Tallulah, Scout and Rumer joined their dad at a Bruce Willis Charity Foundation in 2005.
Dancing With the Fam
The family celebrated Rumer’s Dancing With the Stars win with Val Chmerkovskiy.
Polaroid Memories
“What a privilege it is every day to be your daughter,” Rumer captioned this throwback photo. “I love you so much. You are the coolest cat in town.”
A Birthday to Remember
Emma rang in her 43rd birthday in 2021 with Bruce and their daughters, as well as Rumer and Demi.
‘Tis the Season
The family spent Christmas 2022 together.
Star Status
Bruce was joined by mom Marlene and his three oldest daughters when he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2006.
Happy Haunts
The action star dressed up with Mabel and Evelyn on Halloween 2021.
Getting Silly
Tallulah jokingly captioned this photo of herself and dad Bruce making silly faces, “high drama club.”
Snow Squad
Evelyn and Mabel hit the slopes during a family ski trip.
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