Bruce Willis’ wife, Emma Heming Willis, teared up as she recalled the moment they were informed of his dementia diagnosis.
In 2023, the Die Hard actor was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) – an ‘uncommon’ form of the disease that causes the sufferer problems with behavior and language.
The 70-year-old has since taken a back seat from the public eye to focus on his health, with his loved ones rallying around following the news.
Ahead of her upcoming book about becoming a caregiver, Emma, 47, had an emotional sit-down interview with Diane Sawyer to discuss his condition and how their lives had changed.
In the teaser for the ABC special, titled Emma & Bruce Willis: The Unexpected Journey, she told the host: ‘I was so panicked, and I just remember hearing it, and just not hearing anything else.
‘It was like I was free-falling.’
When asked what love means to her, she said through tears: ‘Love is beautiful. It’s grand. It’s unconditional.
‘I’m so lucky to feel the love.’
The full episode will air on August 26 on ABC, and will share unseen moments from Emma’s relationship with Bruce.
The pair got married in 2009 and share daughters Mabel and Evelyn together, while the Sixth Sense actor is also dad to daughters Rumer, Scout and Tallulah with ex-wife Demi Moore.
He was previously diagnosed with aphasia in 2022 – at the time, his family announced that he would be ending his decades-long film career for the sake of his health.
They posted a lengthy joint statement the following year, sharing the news of his FTD condition.
Although there are currently no treatments, his loved ones have all used their platforms to raise as much awareness as possible for other sufferers.
Emma has gone on to write a book about her experience with caregiving – the Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope and Yourself on the Caregiving Path is set to be released on September 9.
‘Born from grief, shaped by love, and guided by purpose, this is the book I needed back when Bruce was first diagnosed and I was frozen with fear and uncertainty,’ she said while confirming the launch.
‘This is the book I trust will help the next caregiver. It is filled with support, insight, and the hope needed to navigate this journey.
‘This book is for all of us finding our way through the unknown with love, grit, and courage. You are not alone.’
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