For Emma Heming Willis, life has become about taking one day at a time.
The family she once had with her husband, Bruce Willis, and their daughters, Mabel Willis and Evelyn Willis, has since changed drastically. In 2022, the “Die Hard” actor was diagnosed with a neurological disorder.
The very next year, things took a turn for the worse when his condition progressed to frontotemporal dementia.
Sticking to her vows, Emma’s role as Bruce’s wife evolved into that of his caregiver.
The Hollywood vet was moved outside the family home and into a nearby care facility to receive specialized treatment. Despite the heartbreaking transition, life kept moving.
On an Aug. 5 episode of “Making Space with Hoda Kotb,” the former model, who turned 50 last month, explained her mixed feelings about celebrating the milestone.
“I have not really been in the celebratory feelings of late,” Emma said. “I was unsure if I really wanted to do anything, but I had a friend of mine who kept sort of pushing.”
She recalled her friend saying that she wouldn’t want to miss out and that she has to celebrate.
“And I really sat with that, and I thought about it. And I thought, ‘You know what? I don’t wanna look back and think, why didn’t I celebrate 50?’ It is something to celebrate,” Emma told Kotb.
Bruce’s wife said before a sense of uncertainty set in, she was initially excited about approaching the next decade of her life.
She said, “I really was looking forward to 50, because I have to say my 40s felt like a little bit of a doozy. And I was just ready to embrace my 50s.”
“I’ve heard so many wonderful things about, going into your 50s with much more confidence – kind of like a – I don’t give a (pause) attitude and I really was excited about it. And the celebration was lovely.”
Emma said her mom, Zorina Heming, asked her what she wanted to do to celebrate. She told her she wanted tacos, a margarita and to be with friends.
In preparing for her birthday, Kotb asked if Emma wrestled with the guilt of the celebration knowing that her husband is battling his illness.
She said, “I always wrestle with it. Guilt is something that I am always carrying. But I’ve learned that it is really not helpful.”
Reflecting on what Bruce would want for her, she said, “He would want me to have a big fun bash. He would want me to celebrate my life with my friends and family.”
Fans reacted to Emma’s reflection on her birthday in the Daily Mail’s comments. One person said, “It’s hard to celebrate when your partner is in failing health.”
Another wrote, “I’ll bet she misses the man she married. It must break her heart, it would mine if it were my partner.”
A third typed, “Incredibly stressful situation. My prayers for them.”
Emma further detailed “The Sixth Sense” star’s condition in a June 15 episode of “The Bossticks.” She explained that FTD has three variants, which can lead to changes in one’s personality, behavior, or even language.
Emma and Bruce tied the knot in 2009 after meeting in 2007. They share two daughters, Mabel Ray Willis, 14, and Evelyn, 12.
Bruce has three adult daughters, Rumer Willis, 37; Scout Willis, 35; and Tallulah Willis, 32, with his ex-wife Demi Moore.
The actor’s current wife faced a lot of backlash after speaking out several times to give updates about her husband’s well-being. Some suggested she is looking for attention.
Fuel was added to the fire when she revealed that she moved him into a home nearby, with critics accusing her of not truly loving her husband and ducking the responsibilities of taking care of him.
However, she says the move was so he could get 24-hour care and so her daughters can stay in their family home for more stability.
She’s also started the Emma & Bruce Willis Fund, which is meant to raise awareness about FTD, support scientific research, and support caregivers. She launched the initiative back in March.
