‘Stronger Than Ever’: Bruce Willis, Emma Heming Willis Celebrate 15th Anniversary
By Movieguide® Contributor
Bruce Willis and Emma Heming Willis just celebrated their 15th anniversary.
“Today marks our 15th wedding anniversary!” Heming Willis wrote on Instagram. “And today, I can make a choice. I can wallow in sorrow or I can celebrate it.
She continued, “I call this the ‘remarkable reframe.’ What I know is there is so much to celebrate. Our union and connection is probably stronger than ever. We have two bright, fun and healthy daughters. We have a family unit that is built on mutual respect and admiration. And simply, I just love and adore the man I married. I’m so proud of what we have and continue to create. So, happy crystal anniversary to us!”
In 2022, Willis’ family shared that he had been diagnosed with aphasia. The following year, they announced that his diagnosis had been changed to frontotemporal dementia.
Heming Willis has been an outspoken advocate for caregivers, sharing her journey on social media. She said being “open and honest” with the couple’s daughters about Willis’ condition has been very important.
“The most important thing was to be able, for us, to say what the disease was, explain what it is, because when you know what the disease is from a medical standpoint it sort of all makes sense,” she told TODAY. “It was important that we let [our daughters] know what it is because I don’t want there to be any stigma or shame attached to their dad’s diagnosis or any form of dementia.”
Movieguide® previously reported on Heming Willis’ support of fellow caregivers:
Since the diagnosis, Heming Willis has begun advocating for the FTD community on social media.
“I’ve become more compassionate,” she explained. “I find that I’m able to hold more space for what others might be going through. I’m holding gratitude as well as grief.”
“There is power in becoming an advocate for this community,” she continued. “It’s something that I want our kids to see me face out loud, working with others, fighting through the stigma and isolation that a disease like this can bring.”
Heming Willis also recognizes that many who care for loved ones suffering from FTD do not have access to the resources her family does.
“When I’m able to get out for a hike to clear my head, it’s not lost on me that not all care partners can do that. When what I share about our family’s journey gets press attention, I know that there are many thousands of untold, unheard stories, each of them deserving of compassion and concern. At the same time, I see that what I share matters to others who may be struggling, and in a small way makes them feel seen and understood,” she explained.
She recently announced that she will be writing a book about her experience as a caregiver.
“For me, knowledge is power, and building a supportive community around me has been vital,” she told The Sunday Paper. “It has brought stability and a certain amount of control back, control that was completely shattered when the diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia first came into our family’s world.”
Heming Willis continued, “Dementia not only affects your loved one but can shake a whole family’s foundation, and self, if you allow it. Identifying the right resources to educate and enlighten myself has been powerful and has allowed me the space to continue to move forward in the most positive way so that I can be the best mother, wife, daughter, friend, and care partner. I want to be able to share that with the next person who finds themselves here.”
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
