Bruce Willis seen for first time since wife Emma's devastating dementia update
Bruce Willis has been seen for the first time since his wife opened up about his devastating frontotemporal dementia diagnosis.
The Die Hard star stepped back from the spotlight in 2022 after it was revealed that he was battling aphasia, which impacts a person’s cognitive abilities.
His loved ones gave fans a ‘painful’ update on his health in February, sharing that he had since been diagnosed with FTD.
On Monday, Emma Heming Willis appeared on the Today show to raise awareness for the condition, explaining that it is ‘hard to know’ whether the 61-year-old was aware of his illness.
Following her emotional interview, new pictures have since emerged of the Hollywood icon on a rare, low-key outing in LA, joined by a pal.
In the photos, he could be seen in the passenger seat of a car, dressed casually in a blue puffer jacket and navy hat.
Although his family, including ex-wife Demi Moore and their children, Rumer, Tallulah and Scout, often share snaps with Bruce on social media, this marks one of the few times he has been seen in public since news of his illness broke.
They first spoke out over his illness last year, and updated fans in February, confirming that his health had worsened.
‘We wanted to give you an update about our beloved husband, father and friend since we now have a deeper understanding of what he is experiencing,’ his loved ones said in a joint statement on social media.
‘Since we announced Bruce’s diagnosis of aphasia in spring 2022, Bruce’s condition has progressed and we now have a more specific diagnosis: frontotemporal dementia (known as FTD).
‘Unfortunately, challenges with communication are just one symptom of the disease Bruce faces. While this is painful, it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis.’
Emma, who shares daughters Mabel and Evelyn with the Expendables actor, spoke to Hoda Kotb on yesterday’s instalment of the Today show, in honor of World Frontotemporal Dementia Awareness week.
Discussing how it has affected their extended family, she said: ‘Dementia is hard. It’s hard on the person diagnosed, it’s also hard on the family. That is no different for Bruce, or myself, or our girls.
‘When they say this is a family disease, it really is.
‘I think it was the blessing and the curse, to finally understand what was happening, so I can be into the acceptances of what it is.’
Touching on how she navigated telling their loved ones about his frontotemporal dementia symptoms, Emma, who described herself as a ‘care partner’, continued: ‘We’re a very honest and open household.
‘The most important thing was to be able to say what the disease was, explain what it is, because when you know when the disease is from a medical standpoint, it all makes sense.
‘I don’t want there to be any stigma or shame attached to their dad’s diagnosis, or for any form of dementia.
‘There are so many beautiful things happening in our lives. It’s really important for me to look up from the grief, and the sadness, so I can see what is happening around us. Bruce would really want us to be in the joy of what is. He would really want that for me, and our family.
‘He’s the gift that keeps on giving. Love, patience, resilience… For me to be out here, doing this, this is not my comfort zone. But this is the power of Bruce.’
However, in an emotional moment, Hoda questioned whether Bruce is ‘aware’ of his diagnosis, with Emma simply adding: ‘It’s hard to know.’
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
Source: Read Full Article