Bruce Willis' wife Emma Heming Willis has issued a heartfelt plea as she celebrated her birthday and Father's Day over the weekend with Hollywood husband Bruce Willis. The Die Hard actor, 67, made headlines last year after going public with his dementia diagnosis.
In spring 2022, his family revealed the star has aphasia - a condition that affects a patient's ability to understand language and communicate - after he announced he would be retiring from acting. It was later confirmed that his condition was the result of frontotemporal dementia.
According to the NHS, signs of frontotemporal dementia can include: personality and behaviour changes, language problems, problems with mental abilities and memory problems. These problems can make daily activities increasingly difficult, and the person may eventually be unable to look after themselves.
Earlier this year, Willis' ex wife and fellow Hollywood actor Demi Moore made the decision to move in with Willis and his family to provide him with the care and attention he needs during such a difficult time. According to sources close to the family, the actress is helping out with emotional support and is his daily needs.
Moore married Willis in 1987 and they went on to have three children together - Rumer Glenn Willis, Scout LaRue Willis and Tallulah Belle Willis. They called things off in 2000, and Willis later married his current wife Emma in 2009.
As Demi, Emma and the rest of the Willis family continue their care for the 67-year-old amid his dementia battle, Emma took to social media to issue a heart-breaking plea. As she celebrated her 45th birthday on Sunday (June 18) - the same day as Father's Day - she urged her 845k followers to show appreciation toward caregivers.
Taking to Instagram with a photo of her blowing out a birthday candle, she wrote: "Hi! It’s my birthday and I’ve had an epic week getting to celebrate with some of my beloved family and friends. I’m making a few BIG birthday wishes!
"This one I hope you could make a reality. Text or call a person in your life that’s a caregiver and let them know here is X, Y, or Z I can do to help you this week.
"If the caregiver says, 'I’m fine, I don’t need anything', which most likely is what they just might say, then drop some food at their doorstep or flowers or a small something and text them after to let them know it’s there." She added: "Or honestly, just tell them thank you and that they are doing a great job. That kindness and support will go such a long long way."
She also shared a sweet image of Willis giving their eldest daughter Mabel a kiss of the forehead, writing: "Father’s Day is a time I get to reflect on my deep appreciation and respect I have for Bruce as I watch him father our little ones.
"Where it might not be 'conventional', what he’s teaching them will span generations. Unconditional love, kindness, strength, compassion, patience, generosity, resilience."
Many people rushed to comment their own messages of love and support. Tanfromtexas replied: "I pray all your birthday wishes come true." Scoutlaruewillis herself put: "This is so so true and so beautiful."
Laura.chiles added: "Dear Emma—you are doing a great job and you are an inspiration as a caregiver/mom/wife/person!" Viviane.dinho wrote: "Happy Father's Day. May God continue to bless and protect you. Congratulations on being this super dad. Little ones need moments like this. Happiness papa."
Alexandracfree said: "Dementia is such a cruel disease, but there is beauty to experience and gifts to be found if you are open to see them. I’m glad you’re finding them where you can. Sending you and your family much love!"
