Actor Rumer Willis has shared a heartfelt update on her father Bruce Willis’ condition, explaining how the family is coping as the 70-year-old continues to live with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). During an Instagram Q&A on Thursday, the 37-year-old acknowledged the challenges of the diagnosis while noting she remains grateful for every moment she can spend with him.
Summary Bullet Points
Rumer Willis spoke openly about Bruce Willis’ ongoing battle with FTD.
She said she is grateful he can still “feel the love” during their visits.
Bruce’s wife, Emma Heming Willis, also discussed caregiving challenges at a recent event.
The Willis family continues to maintain close contact and support.
Key Details
Rumer Willis responded to a fan question about her father’s health, noting that evaluating progress is difficult with a disease like FTD. She explained that while “anybody with FTD is not doing great,” her father is managing “okay” within the realities of the condition.
Rumer said she has reframed how she thinks about Bruce’s wellbeing, acknowledging that familiar measures like “doing great” no longer apply in the same way. Instead, she focuses on the emotional connection they continue to share.
What Rumer Willis Said
The actor expressed deep appreciation for the moments she still gets to spend with her father, even if he may not fully recognize her. “I’m so happy and grateful that I still get to go and hug him,” she said, adding that Bruce can still “feel the love” during their interactions. She also highlighted how meaningful it is to see him spend time with her daughter, Louetta.
What Officials Said / Family Statements
Bruce Willis’ wife, Emma Heming Willis, also spoke publicly about his condition during End Well 2025, a Los Angeles conference focused on end-of-life care. She described the “impossible” decisions involved in being his primary caregiver, including the criticism she faced after moving him out of the family home earlier this year for his safety and wellbeing.
Emma emphasized that while the situation is heartbreaking, she continues to prioritize their family’s stability. She added that she brings their two daughters, Mabel and Evelyn, to visit Bruce daily to maintain their bond.
Impact on the Family
The Willis family remains closely connected despite the difficulties of the diagnosis. Rumer, along with her sisters Scout and Tallulah, continue to spend meaningful time with Bruce. Emma recently noted that part of the “blessing and curse” of FTD is that Bruce is unaware of his decline, a detail she shared while promoting her memoir The Unexpected Journey.
Additional Background
Bruce Willis was diagnosed with aphasia in 2022 and subsequently retired from acting. In early 2023, his family announced that his condition had progressed and he had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, a degenerative brain disorder affecting behavior, communication, and cognitive function.
The Willis family has been open about Bruce’s health journey, helping increase public awareness of FTD. Their transparency has also highlighted ongoing challenges faced by caregivers navigating degenerative neurological conditions.
