In a touching Instagram post celebrating 17 years together, Emma Heming Willis opened up about the complex emotions surrounding her anniversary with husband Bruce Willis, who was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) in 2023.
The 46-year-old model and entrepreneur shared a sunset photo of the couple at Parrot Cay in Turks and Caicos, accompanied by a heartfelt message describing how anniversaries now evoke mixed feelings. "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," she wrote.
Heming Willis revealed she allows herself 30 minutes to process feelings of anger and grief, asking "why him, why us," before returning to what matters most - their 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," she expressed.
The couple, who married in 2009, share daughters Mabel, 12, and Evelyn, 10. Bruce Willis, 69, also has three daughters with ex-wife Demi Moore - Rumer, Scout, and Tallulah.
Since Willis's family announced his aphasia diagnosis in 2022, which later progressed to FTD, Heming Willis has become an advocate for caregivers. She recently announced she is writing a book for caregivers through The Open Field, Maria Shriver's book imprint, hoping to share resources and support with others in similar situations.
Despite the challenges, Heming Willis continues to focus on living in the present and celebrating their family's love. The blended Willis family has united in supporting both Bruce and Emma during this journey, with Emma noting their strong bond and constant support when she needs to "vent, cry, or rage."