Father’s Day hit differently this year for Bruce Willis’ family.
On Sunday, June 15, the 70-year-old Sixth Sense star’s wife, Emma Heming Willis, shared some heartfelt words on Instagram, honoring Bruce while opening up about how difficult the day felt.
“Happy Father’s Day to all the dads living with disability or disease, showing up in the ways they can and to the children who show up for them,” the former model wrote. “What Bruce teaches our girls goes far beyond words. Resilience, unconditional love, and the quiet strength in simply being present.”
The award-winning actor was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) in 2023 — a rare and progressive brain disorder that affects behavior, communication, and language. According to the National Institute on Aging, “There is currently no cure for FTD or related disorders, and no treatments to slow or stop the progression of the disease.”
Emma, 46, added that she felt “profoundly sad” and wished “things could be different for him and lighter for our family.” (The founder of Make Time Wellness tied the knot with Bruce in 2009 — together, they share two daughters: Mabel, 12, and Evelyn, 10.)
“These symbolic days stir up a lot,” she continued. “As they say in our FTD community, ‘It is what it is.’ And while that might sound dismissive, to me, it’s not. It grounds me. It helps me return to the acceptance of what is and not fight this every step of the way like I used to.”
Emma wasn’t the only one to speak out. Rumer Willis, the eldest daughter of Bruce and his ex-wife Demi Moore, also posted a message on Instagram. (In addition to Rumer, 36, Bruce and Moore, 62, share daughters Scout, 33, and Tallulah, 31.)
“Today is hard,” the House Bunny actress wrote. “I feel a deep ache in my chest to talk to you and tell you everything I’m doing and what’s going on in my life. To hug you and ask you about life and your stories and struggles and successes. I wish I asked you more questions while you could still tell me about it all.”
Rumer added that she’s trying to stay present and grateful, especially in moments when Bruce is with her 2-year-old daughter, Louetta, whom she shares with ex-boyfriend Derek Thomas. “I can watch the way your eyes light up when you see Louetta I will be grateful for every moment I have with you,” she said.
Moore reposted Rumer’s post to her Instagram Story the following day.