Rumer Willis recently offered fans a touching update on her father, Bruce Willis, as he continues to navigate his battle with dementia. During a candid Q&A session on Instagram Stories on August 22, Rumer, 35, responded to a fan’s inquiry about the Die Hard star’s well-being.
“He is great. I love him so much. Thank you,” Rumer wrote alongside a tender photo of the father-daughter duo holding hands. The message, though brief, conveyed the deep bond between Rumer and her father as they face this challenging time together.
Bruce Willis, 69, was initially diagnosed with aphasia in 2022, a condition that severely impacts communication abilities. At the time, his family released a heartfelt statement informing the public of his condition, explaining that it was affecting his cognitive functions. This diagnosis prompted Bruce to step away from his illustrious acting career, which had spanned decades and left an indelible mark on Hollywood.
“To Bruce’s amazing supporters, as a family we wanted to share that our beloved Bruce has been experiencing some health issues and has recently been diagnosed with aphasia, which is impacting his cognitive abilities,” the family announced in March 2022 via Instagram. “As a result of this and with much consideration, Bruce is stepping away from the career that has meant so much to him.”
A year later, Bruce’s condition had evolved into a more specific diagnosis: frontotemporal dementia (FTD). FTD is a group of brain disorders that primarily affect the frontal and temporal lobes, the regions of the brain associated with personality, behavior, and language. The news was a devastating blow for the family, but they have remained resilient, banding together to support Bruce through this difficult journey.
In addition to Rumer, Bruce’s blended family includes daughters Scout, 33, and Tallulah, 30, from his marriage to Demi Moore, 61, and daughters Mabel, 12, and Evelyn, 10, with his wife Emma Heming. The entire family has been a pillar of strength, rallying around Bruce as they navigate the uncertainties of his condition.
“This experience has brought the whole family even closer together,” a source shared exclusively with Us Weekly in December 2023. “No one knows how much time Bruce has left, so they’re soaking up every moment they get with him.” The family’s closeness has been a source of comfort and strength, with each member cherishing the time they have with Bruce.
During the Instagram Q&A, Rumer also revealed personal news about her relationship with musician Derek Richard Thomas. The couple, who share a 1-year-old daughter named Louetta, have decided to go their separate ways. “I’m single-moming it and coparenting,” Rumer stated, providing a glimpse into her new reality as a single mother.
Rumer and Derek publicly announced their relationship in November 2022, just a month before they revealed they were expecting their first child. The couple seemed deeply in love, sharing affectionate moments on social media. However, despite their separation, Rumer remains focused on raising their daughter and co-parenting with Derek.
Despite the challenges she faces, Rumer continues to find joy in her daughter and the special bond she shares with her father. In a Today show interview in May, Rumer spoke about how Bruce has embraced his role as a grandfather, particularly with little Louetta just beginning to walk. “He’s so good. I actually got to see him right before I came out [to New York],” she shared. “And Lou is just starting to walk a little bit, and she was walking over to him, and it was so sweet.”
Reflecting on Bruce’s loving nature, Rumer added, “He’s a girl dad, through and through. I saw him with my sisters, my little sisters.” She continued, “Honestly, seeing them [Bruce and Moore] with her, it almost unlocks all of these childhood memories because being a grandparent, I think, is the best. They have all of the love and joy without any of the responsibilities. They get to just spoil her.”
As Bruce Willis battles his illness, the love and support from his family, particularly from his eldest daughter Rumer, remain unwavering. Their shared moments of joy, even amidst adversity, are a testament to the enduring strength of their bond.
