Rumer Willis shared a heartbreaking post on Instagram on Monday, November 20, which included a sweet photo of her as a baby with her dad, Bruce Willis, who was diagnosed with dementia in 2022.
Rumer shared a heartfelt message on social media, expressing her longing for her father. The accompanying image depicted Bruce Willis shirtless, cradling his young daughter in his arms.
Initially, some of the commenters misunderstood the post and believed that Bruce had passed away. However, others clarified that Rumer’s words referred to his dementia diagnosis.
One Instagram user empathetically commented, “With dementia, the grieving process starts much earlier and lasts longer because you begin mourning the loss even before they are physically gone.” Another individual added, “Anticipatory grief can be incredibly challenging to navigate. My condolences.”
In February, Bruce received a diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia, just one year after being diagnosed with aphasia. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, frontotemporal dementia causes damage to nerve cells in specific brain regions, resulting in behavioral and personality changes, as well as difficulties with language production and comprehension.
The family, including Bruce’s wife, Emma Heming Willis, their daughters Maybel Ray and Evelyn Penn, as well as his ex-wife Demi Moore and their daughters Rumer, Scout, and Tallulah, initially disclosed the news of his diagnosis through a joint statement.
Rumer Willis, Demi Moore, Bruce Willis, Scout Willis, Emma Heming Willis, and Tallulah Willis; Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for goop
Recently, Emma Heming Willis authored a personal essay for Maria Shriver’s Sunday Paper, where she candidly discussed her husband’s condition and its impact on their family.
“In the weeks leading up to our announcement in February 2023 that Bruce was living with frontotemporal dementia, I grappled with the decision of whether and how to share this challenging chapter of our lives,” Heming Willis wrote.
“However, once our family shared the news, I felt a sense of relief. Suddenly, I no longer felt alone, and we were able to seek the much-needed support for Bruce, myself, and our family,” she added.
Emma Heming, Rumer Willis, Tallulah Willis, Bruce Willis and Scout Willis; Neilson Barnard/Getty Images For Comedy Central
“As hard as it was to come forward about Bruce’s FTD diagnosis, I knew I needed to raise my voice to bring awareness to this disease,” she continued, noting that “the world needs to know that not all dementia is Alzheimer’s and that not all dementia impacts memory.”
Heming Willis also said she struggles with “guilt,” knowing that she has “resources that others don’t.”
Bruce Willis’ Daughter Tallulah Shares New Update on Her Dad’s Dementia
Heming Willis acknowledged the privilege she has in being able to clear her mind through hikes, recognizing that not all caregivers have such opportunities. She expressed empathy for the countless untold stories of other care partners, emphasizing their need for compassion and support.
While she recognized the attention their family’s journey receives in the media, she believed that sharing their story can be meaningful for those who are going through similar struggles. It provides a sense of being seen and understood, even if it’s in a small way.
Heming Willis shared that her hope has grown since Bruce’s initial diagnosis. She has gained a deeper understanding of the disease and has connected with an incredible support community. She finds hope in her newfound purpose of using her platform to help and empower others. Additionally, she finds joy in the small moments and cherishes the times when their entire family comes together to celebrate life’s precious moments.