Bruce Willis’ wife gives his dementia diagnosis ‘the middle finger’ in defiant New Year update

Bruce Willis’ wife, Emma Heming Willis, celebrated the New Year with a defiant post amid his devastating health issues.

In 2023, the Die Hard actor’s loved ones announced that he had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a year after he retired from Hollywood.

Following the news, the 69-year-old’s loved ones – including ex-wife Demi Moore and their three daughters – rallied around him, while shedding light on his symptoms and advocating for more awareness of the neurodegenerative condition.

Taking to Instagram just days after their anniversary, Emma shared a clip set to I Was Made To Love Her by Stevie Wonder, in which she could be seen appearing at various talks and discussions alongside her two daughters, Mabel and Evelyn, who she shares with the star.

‘FTD doesn’t get to write my family’s story – I do,’ the 46-year-old captioned the post. ‘Advocacy has been my lifeline, transforming grief into action.

‘It’s my way of giving FTD the middle finger and making it clear that powerful advocates, care partners, researchers, scientists, medical professionals, and community leaders are coming for it – and I’m right there with them.

‘I’m looking forward to seeing what 2025 has in store for us.’

Heaping praise on Emma’s efforts in the comments section below, Cocoeagles88 urged: ‘Keep slaying, Emma! You are doing such important work! Happy New Year!!’

LaurenKucerak agreed: ‘So impressed by you.. always.’

Kristinrunning wrote: ‘So incredibly impressed with all you’ve done for our community. Looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish in 2025 and beyond!!’

Gemlike7 added: ‘Thank you… you will never know how much your posts and all your advocacy has helped me. My wish for you is that you and your family have the best possible New Year.’

Bruce was previously diagnosed with aphasia in 2022, and his family revealed at the time that he would be ending his decades-long film career for the sake of his health.

The following year, they posted a lengthy joint statement confirming that he had since been diagnosed with FTD – an ‘uncommon’ form of the disease that causes the sufferer problems with behavior and language.

Although there are currently no treatments for the condition, they have all used their platforms to raise as much awareness as possible for other sufferers.

Earlier this week, Emma shared a poignant update as she commemorated their 17-year anniversary on social media.

The couple first started dating in 2007 and tied the knot in a lavish ceremony two years later, in Turks and Caicos.

Reflecting on their love story so far, Emma posted a picture of the pair enjoying a dip in the water, explaining that relationship milestones now bring a ‘heaviness’.

‘17 years of us,’ she said. ‘Anniversaries used to bring excitement – now, if I’m honest, they stir up all the feelings, leaving a heaviness in my heart and a pit in my stomach. I give myself 30 minutes to sit in the “why him, why us,” to feel the anger and grief.

‘Then I shake it off and return to what is. And what is… is unconditional love. I feel blessed to know it, and it’s because of him. I’d do it all over again and again in a heartbeat.’

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 celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE: ‘Catwoman’ Jocelyne Wildenstein, known for extreme plastic surgery, dies aged 84

MORE: Christina Aguilera shuts down criticism over her looks after fans ask ‘who is that?’

MORE: ‘Aggressive’ Ryan Reynolds named in Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni lawsuit as battle gets messy