Rumer Willis recently opened a window into her family's world, and fans paid close attention. During a candid Instagram Q&A in November 2025, the 37-year-old actress spoke openly about her father Bruce Willis and his ongoing fight with frontotemporal dementia, often called FTD.
When someone asked how Bruce is doing, Rumer explained that it is not a simple question to answer. The “House Bunny” actress said anyone living with FTD is not doing great, and that this disease brings constant challenges. Even so, she added that her dad is doing okay within the tough reality of what he faces each day.
Rumer shared how grateful she is that she can still hug him, visit him, and feel that bond. She believes he can still feel her love, even during times when he may not fully recognize her. That idea hit home for many families dealing with dementia.
Bruce Willis’s Health Journey
Willis / IG / Bruce Willis’s public health story began in 2022 when his family revealed he had been diagnosed with aphasia, a disorder that affects a person’s ability to speak and understand language.
The announcement shocked Hollywood because Bruce, now 70, had spent decades bringing strong, expressive characters to life. Fans knew him from classics like "Die Hard," "The Sixth Sense," and "Armageddon," and the idea of a communication disorder affecting such a powerful screen presence felt heavy.
By February 2023, the family released another update that brought more clarity. His diagnosis had progressed to frontotemporal dementia, which explained the changes they had noticed in his behavior and communication. FTD is known to affect the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, areas tied to language, personality, and decision-making.
His wife, Emma Heming Willis, once described the illness as something that whispers, not shouts. This means the early signs can appear soft and subtle, which makes it hard for families to spot problems right away.
FTD moves at its own pace, and no two journeys look the same. In Bruce’s case, the family has consistently said that his condition is stable. Stable does not mean improvement, but in the world of degenerative conditions, it is considered the best possible outcome. Emma has explained that while his brain is failing him, his body stays strong.
Family Care and Support
Willis / IG / Caring for someone with FTD often requires major changes, and the Willis family faced those decisions with love and honesty. One of the toughest choices they made was moving Bruce into a separate home with a full-time care team.
Emma explained this move was not about creating distance. Instead, it was about giving him a space that fit his needs. It also allowed their young daughters to grow up in a steady home environment without the constant stress that comes with around-the-clock medical care.
Even with the Hollywood legend living in his own care residence, the family stays deeply involved. His five daughters visit him often, and his granddaughter Louetta, Rumer’s child, has become a sweet part of those visits. The family blends together with ease, and that unity is one of Bruce’s strongest support systems.
Demi Moore, his former wife, remains a steady presence. Emma and Demi work together without drama, and both have said that love and respect guide every decision.
While caring for Bruce, Emma Heming Willis has stepped into a larger public role. She has spoken often about the challenges caregivers face, especially when dealing with slow-moving diseases like FTD.
Emma wrote a book titled "The Unexpected Journey," which focuses on caregiving and mental health.