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Emma Heming Willis is opening up about the emotional journey of caring for her husband, Bruce Willis, as he continues to battle frontotemporal dementia (FTD).
In a new interview with Diane Sawyer that previewed on Good Morning America Tuesday, the 47-year-old shared how her family still cherishes fleeting moments when Bruce's signature warmth and humor shine through.
"It's his laugh," Emma said tearfully. "He has this hearty laugh. Sometimes there's that twinkle in his eye, or that smirk, and I just get transported. But as quickly as those moments appear, they're gone." She snapped her fingers to emphasize how fleeting those glimpses can be.
Bruce, 70, retired from acting in 2022 after his family revealed he had been diagnosed with aphasia, a condition that impacts communication. A year later, they shared the progression of his illness into frontotemporal dementia, a disease that can alter behavior, language, and personality.
Emma recalled first noticing changes long before doctors confirmed his condition. "For someone who was always talkative and engaged, he grew quieter," she explained. "When the family would gather, he seemed distant. Bruce was always warm and affectionate, so seeing the opposite was frightening."
She admitted the official diagnosis left her reeling. "I just remember hearing it and then not hearing anything else. It felt like free-falling," she said. "I panicked, because I didn't understand what was happening to him."
Despite the challenges, Emma says gratitude keeps her grounded. "I'm grateful my husband is still here. I'm grateful for the moments we do get, even if they vanish quickly."
Emma also revealed that she doesn't believe Bruce ever fully grasped what was happening to him. "I don't think he ever connected the dots about his health," she said.
The full special, Emma & Bruce Willis: The Unexpected Journey, airs Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and will be available to stream on Hulu and Disney+ the following day.
