Demi Moore, 62, and Bruce Willis, 70, got divorced in 2011, but The Substance star plays a unique role in her ex-husband’s fight with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Speaking on the Sept. 2 episode of Oprah Winfrey’s podcast, the actress shared how their blended family has rallied around the Die Hard star. Moore also admitted how much she admires his wife, Emma Heming Willis, 47, for the strength she has shown in their relationship.
“Being the ex-wife, even though our family is very connected, is an interesting position,” Moore told the talk show host. “So much fell on Emma to really figure this whole thing out, and the most beautiful thing was recognizing the importance [of] caregivers and that they have to take care of themselves. If they don’t put that time into making sure that they’re okay, then they can’t show up for anyone else.”
The family went public with Willis’ FTD diagnosis in February 2023 and Heming Willis has spoken openly about her experience as a caregiver ever since. Similarly, Moore and Willis’ daughters—Rumer, 37, Scout, 34, and Tallulah, 31—are unwavering in their support of the Hollywood couple as they navigate his health battle as a family unit.
“I have so much compassion for Emma in this, being a young woman,” Moore added. “There’s no way that anybody could have anticipated where this was going to go, and I really think she’s done a masterful job. She has been so dedicated to forging the right path. She’s had equal amounts of fear and strength and courage in navigating this.”
Bruce Willis’ FTD Explained
- Bruce Willis was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) in 2023, after an earlier diagnosis of aphasia in 2022.
- FTD causes changes in behavior, personality, communication, and language skills.
- There’s not currently a cure for FTD. Treatment focuses on supportive care and therapy to ease symptoms.
- According to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, people with FTD live an average of 7–13 years after symptoms appear, but progression varies.
