When Bruce Willis was diagnosed with dementia, his wife Emma faced a heartbreaking choice.

Emma Heming Willis and Bruce Willis are one of Hollywood's great love stories. The former model and action star have been together since 2007, sharing a journey marked by love, laughter and resilience.

Today, they face one of their greatest challenges yet: Bruce's diagnosis with aphasia and later frontotemporal dementia. Despite these health issues, their love remains unwavering.

Emma has stood by her husband's side throughout it all, taking on the role of his caregiver while looking after their two daughters, Mabel, 13, and Evelyn, 11.

And, for the most part, the internet supported her, with fans of the Die Hard star only wanting the best for him during this difficult time.

But when Emma recently announced her decision to move Bruce into a separate home with 24-hour care, the sentiment instantly changed.

Emma says she's faced an onslaught of criticism from people saying she should be taking care of him, even though the decision was ultimately what was right for her family.

Listen to the hosts of Mamamaia Out Loud unpack the backlash Emma Heming Willis is facing online. Post continues below.

In her new book, The Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope, and Yourself on the Caregiving Path, Emma shares how their daughters' lives were "being turned upside down" as everyone tiptoed around their own home.

"Daddy would want you to have playdates, sleepovers, and more freedom than you've been able to have here. That would make him so happy," she wrote.

Emma wrote that her daughters "understood" the decision was for their dad's "overall wellbeing and safety" but it didn't make it any easier.

"In fact, it's still painful for me," she said. "After all, this is my husband, and having him in another home was not part of the future we'd mapped out together. You really can't dream this stuff up."

Emma with her daughters. Image: Instagram/emmahemingwillis.

Emma has been candid and vulnerable during an incredibly difficult time for her family — one where she's had to mourn the life she once imagined with her husband.

She's described the move as "one of the hardest decisions I ever had to make", yet the criticism still rolled in.

Speaking to The Sunday Times, she said the move allowed her to "get back to being his wife" — something that has been an incredible gift.

"It's made such a difference for more friends and family to have their own experience with him without it being my home, without me hovering, or my anxiety of how to manage the guest and their expectations, and then have to see their reactions — their sadness at what is," she said.

The girls go and visit their dad after school, sharing sweet moments with less stress.

"You can see the tenderness of it. The girls don't need him to be this or do that," she told The Times.

"They have really adapted to his disease, and they know how to move around him. It's beautiful, but it's hard for them. They miss him."

Emma has faced criticism since moving Bruce into his own home nearby. Image: Instagram/emmahemingwillis.

Appearing on CBS Mornings this week, Emma said she knew the backlash was coming.

"Caregivers are so judged," she said.

And it's true. Everyone has an opinion about how someone else should be looked after, especially if they're a beloved celebrity.

But at the end of the day, it's Emma's family — her marriage, her children, her daily life.

She knows that's all that matters.

"It's really not up for debate," she told Good Morning America earlier.

"Now I know that Bruce has the best care 100 per cent of the time. His needs are met 100 per cent of the time, as well as our two young daughters, so I'm not going to take a vote on that."

Bruce first found love with actress Demi Moore, welcoming three children. Emma says their blended family supports each other through the caregiver journey.

Here's everything we know.

Who is Bruce Willis?

Bruce Willis on the set of Die Hard. Image: Getty

Bruce Willis was born on March 19, 1955, in Idar-Oberstein, West Germany, and grew up in a military family that eventually settled in New Jersey. 

His early life was marked by a stutter, which he overcame through acting. He was nicknamed "Buck-Buck" by his classmates and even became the student council president.

After graduating in 1973, Bruce worked various jobs, including as a security guard and private investigator. He then enroled in the drama program at Montclair State University but left in 1977 to pursue acting in New York City.

His breakthrough role came with the ABC series Moonlighting (1985–1989), where he played David Addison Jr., earning him a Golden Globe Award and multiple Emmy nominations. 

However, it was his portrayal of John McClane in Die Hard (1988) that catapulted him to international fame, cementing his status as an action hero.

Bruce has demonstrated his versatility in films like Pulp Fiction (1994) and The Sixth Sense (1999), showcasing his ability to excel in both action and dramatic roles. 

Listen to The Spill discuss Bruce Willis and Demi Moore's co-parenting relationship, alongside other entertainment news. Post continues below.

Who has Bruce Willis dated?

Bruce Willis and Demi Moore were together for 13 years. Image: Getty

Being a movie star, Bruce was famous for dating a number of women before he settled down, including Nadia Boran and Estella Warren, though these relationships were brief and often shrouded in mystery.

It was when he met Demi Moore that everything changed.

Demi and Bruce first met in July 1987 at a screening of Stakeout, a film starring Moore's then-fiancé, Emilio Estevez. Shortly after, Moore ended her engagement and began dating Willis. Their romance was swift and passionate, culminating in a surprise wedding on November 21, 1987, in Las Vegas.

Demi has described their decision to marry as spontaneous, recounting in her memoir Inside Out that they were joking about it on a flight, but it suddenly became serious. They later had a second ceremony in front of family and friends.

Together, they welcomed three daughters: Rumer Glenn Willis (born 1988), Scout LaRue Willis (born 1991), and Tallulah Belle Willis (born 1994). The family often sought refuge from Hollywood's spotlight by living in rural Idaho.

They welcomed three daughters: Rumer Glenn Willis (born 1988), Scout LaRue Willis (born 1991), and Tallulah Belle Willis (born 1994). Image: Getty.

However, their differing career ambitions and personal desires eventually led to tension in their relationship. Bruce and Demi divorced in 2000, but their bond remained strong. 

Demi has spoken about the importance of co-parenting and their decision to remain friends. "We will always be a family, just in a different form," she told Variety. 

The pair even attended each other's weddings and quarantined together at Demi's home in Idaho during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Demi would go on to marry Ashton Kutcher in 2005, but the pair later split in 2011. 

Who is Emma Heming Willis?

Willis and Heming met at the gym. Image: Getty

Emma Heming Willis is a former model born in Malta, an island in the Mediterranean sea between Sicily and Africa. Her parents divorced when she was young and she soon moved to London with her mother. 

It was there that the beauty got into modelling, starring on The Big Breakfast's The British Elle Supermodel show in the '90s. 

After winning the show, she began to walk runways around the world for major labels including Valentino, Chanel and Giorgio Armani. She also acted in The Perfect Stranger, The Comebacks and RED2. 

Listen to Bruce Willis' wife Emma give a health update. Post continues below.

How did Bruce Willis meet Emma Heming Willis?

Like many classic tales of romance, Bruce met Emma in a very unassuming fashion. The American actor and Maltese model actually crossed paths in 2007 at their mutual trainer's gym. 

Emma immediately hit it off with her future husband. 

In 2016, the mum-of-two told People that she was surprised at "how charming and how funny" the actor was. His response? "I was already in love with her."

Yes, we're swooning too. These two are so cute!

When did Bruce Willis marry Emma Heming Willis?

The couple tied the knot in 2009 and have been together ever since. Image: Getty

Bruce and Emma married in 2009 in a beautiful ceremony in Turks and Caicos, followed by a second ceremony in Beverly Hills six days later. 

The couple kept the nuptials very private, but did later walk the Met Gala together hand-in-hand.

When did Bruce Willis and Emma Heming Willis have their first child?

A few years into marriage, the Willis' announced that they were expecting. It was Emma's first child, but Bruce's fourth. 

The couple said they were "overjoyed with this news and [that] they look forward to welcoming this newest addition into their family," per a statement. 

Their first child, Mabel Ray Willis, was born on April 1, 2012. Emma has spoken about the decision to raise their children outside of Los Angeles to shield them from the paparazzi and provide a more peaceful upbringing.

When did Bruce Willis and Emma Heming Willis have their second child?

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A post shared by Emma Heming Willis (@emmahemingwillis)

20 months after welcoming their first child together, Emma was pregnant again. It was first reported in December 2013, but they confirmed the news in March the following year when Bruce put his arms around Emma's burgeoning bump at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party.

Their second daughter, Evelyn Penn Willis, was born in 2014. "Both mother and baby are healthy and doing beautifully," read the statement announcing her birth. "Mabel is delighted to have a new baby sister."

When was Bruce Willis diagnosed with aphasia?

After welcoming their children, the Willis family enjoyed eight years of bliss together. However, soon a blow would hit the family hard. 

Bruce was diagnosed with aphasia in March 2022. This condition affects his ability to communicate effectively, impacting his speech and language skills.

What is aphasia?

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A post shared by Emma Heming Willis (@emmahemingwillis)

Aphasia is a condition that results from damage to portions of the brain responsible for language. 

It can affect an individual's ability to express themselves through speech and writing, as well as their comprehension of spoken and written language. The severity and impact of aphasia vary widely among individuals.

Aphasia can be a progressive disease, meaning that overtime people's condition will deteriorate. 

Bruce Willis' aphasia and FTD prognosis. 

In early February 2023, the family announced that Bruce's condition had progressed and that he had been given a more specific diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia (known as FTD).

The announcement said that while it is the most common form of dementia for people under 60, there is no treatment. The family hope to raise awareness for the condition in order to improve outcomes for others living with the disease. 

"As Bruce's condition advances, we hope that any media attention can be focused on shining a light on this disease that needs far more awareness and research," they shared. 

What has Emma said of Bruce's diagnosis?

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A post shared by Emma Heming Willis (@emmahemingwillis)

Emma has been open about the challenges they face with Bruce's diagnosis. She has spoken about the emotional journey, acknowledging the grief and anger that come with it. 

"Anniversaries used to bring excitement — now, if I'm honest, they stir up all the feelings, leaving a heaviness in my heart and a pit in my stomach. I give myself 30 minutes to sit in the 'why him, why us,' to feel the anger and grief," she shared on Instagram. 

"Then I shake it off and return to what is. And what is… is unconditional love. I feel blessed to know it, and it's because of him. I'd do it all over again and again in a heartbeat,"

Emma has not said publicly whether Bruce still recognises her, but it's clear that there's still so much love between these two. 

"Today marks 16 years with the love of a lifetime. We've shared monumental highs and devastating lows, and through it all, we've built something timeless. I'm so deeply grateful for every chapter I've had with him—and all the ones we'll continue to write, in our language of unconditional love," she shared in March 2025. 

To which his daughter Rumer replied, "Love you Emma you are magic 321 and papa he loves you so much."

What is Bruce Willis' blended family like now?

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A post shared by Demi Moore (@demimoore)

These days, it's the blended family that cocoon around Bruce. His daughters with Demi: Rumer, Scout, and Tallulah are still very much involved, as well as young Mabel and Evelyn. 

Despite his health challenges, the family remains close-knit, with Demi and Emma often expressing their admiration for each other's roles in Bruce's life.

On March 19, 2025, Bruce's family gathered to celebrate his 70th birthday. Demi shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, posting rare family photos. Demi's caption simply read, "We love you."

Rumer Willis also shared a touching video of her father dancing, accompanied by a heartfelt message: "To the King… I love you, Daddio. Happy 70th birthday, papa." Scout Willis honored her father as "the Greatest of all time."

Featured image: Instagram.