Bruce Willis’ wife describes ‘grief and sadness’ on actor’s birthday following frontotemporal dementia diagnosis

(From left) Emma Heming, Rumer Willis, Tallulah Willis, Bruce Willis and Scout Willis attend the Comedy Central Roast of Bruce Willis at Hollywood Palladium on July 14, 2018 in Los Angeles. Photo: TNS

Bruce Willis’ wife experienced a range of emotions on the actor’s birthday, weeks after the family revealed his diagnosis with frontotemporal dementia.

The Pulp Fiction star turned 68 on Sunday (March 19).

“Today is one of those days of feeling the grief and sadness,” Emma Heming Willis, 44, wrote on Instagram.

“But the silver lining or the flip side is that I’m so lucky to feel your warmth and love that is directed to my husband and our family. I see your messages, your stories that you share, and all I can say is thank you.”

She continued: “Your connection helps me and I hope it helps you in a small way to know that I see you and I deeply understand your journey as well.”

Willis stepped away from acting last year after being diagnosed with aphasia, a cognitive disorder that can affect a person’s ability to communicate.

Last month, Willis’ family announced the condition had advanced to frontotemporal dementia, which can impact a person’s behavior, among other symptoms. There is currently no treatment.

“Unfortunately, challenges with communication are just one symptom of the disease Bruce faces,” the family said in their announcement. “While this is painful, it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis.”

Willis is known for films such as Die Hard, Unbreakable, Armageddon and Red. The action star married Heming Willis, a Malta-born model, in 2009 and has daughters ages 8 and 10 with her. He also has three adult daughters from his previous marriage to actress Demi Moore. – New York Daily News/Tribune News Service