Emma Heming Willis has revealed that her husband, actor Bruce Willis, has been relocated to a separate residence as the family faces the realities of his frontotemporal dementia.

The decision was made to provide Bruce with professional care while giving their daughters, Mabel and Evelyn, the space to gradually adjust to life without him, for which Emma Willis says she is preparing, as the Daily Caller reports.

Heming Willis detailed this deeply personal choice in her book, The Unexpected Journey, released on Sept. 9. She explained that the move was necessary because Bruce now needs more care than she could manage alone.

Difficult transition begins

Since Bruce’s diagnosis was confirmed in February 2023, Heming Willis has served as his primary caregiver. The announcement marked a turning point for the family, who had already begun adjusting to the progressive nature of the disease.

In August, Heming Willis mentioned in an ABC interview that Bruce had transitioned to living separately with professional support. She explained that the change was essential both for his needs and the emotional well-being of their young daughters.

“Giving and allowing the girls some space from Bruce also helps prepare them for his death,” she said. She acknowledged how difficult such a decision sounded but described it as a harsh reality she must face to protect her children.

Planning amid dementia progression

Frontotemporal dementia, often abbreviated as FTD, is a degenerative condition that affects behavior, language, and cognitive abilities. According to medical guidance, the average life expectancy following the onset of symptoms is between seven and 13 years.

Heming Willis noted that while there is no defined timeline for her husband’s condition, she has found solace in being able to prepare. “This disease of FTD is horrendous, but it gives you a little grace to be able to plan and organize your affairs,” she explained.

The couple’s daughters, ages 10 and 12, remain at the center of these efforts. Heming Willis said that helping them adapt gradually is crucial to lessening the shock of Bruce’s eventual passing.

Adjusting for future

“I think getting used to it being just the three of us in our home will lessen the shock for Mabel and Evelyn when the inevitable comes,” Heming Willis said. She expressed hope that this transition will allow them to build strength before they face the loss directly.

She emphasized the importance of emotional readiness, even when discussing such a painful subject. “I know how dark and jarring that sounds, but that is the harsh reality of the world I must navigate to continue to protect our girls the best way I can,” she said.

Through her words, Heming Willis has highlighted the difficulty of balancing caregiving with parenting. She has continued to speak candidly about the ways dementia has reshaped their family’s daily life.

Caregiver's struggle explained

Heming Willis has made it clear that Bruce’s condition has advanced to the point where professional assistance is unavoidable. This realization led to the decision to move him into a home where specialized care could be provided.

Her book, on which the New York Post reported, gives insight into the challenges and realities of living with a loved one diagnosed with FTD. It combines her personal reflections with the emotional adjustments required for her daughters.

“Until there is a cure, this disease will always win,” she said, acknowledging the difficult path ahead. Despite this, her focus remains on preparing her daughters and creating stability for them during an uncertain time.