Emma Heming Willis has addressed criticism surrounding the decision to move her husband, Bruce Willis, into a separate residence as his health continues to decline.
The Hollywood star, 70, who was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, began living in a second property close to the main family home with a full-time care team two months ago. Heming Willis, 49, said the backlash and judgment she has faced has been “off the charts”.
“But I wanted to be very transparent, and I hope that it would support the next caregiver who has to make a really hard decision like the one that I had to make,” she told NewsNation’s Elizabeth Vargas Reports.
“I think that it’s the hardest decision for anyone to have to make,” she added.
“I mean, that didn’t come lightly. … These are hard decisions that we have to make as caregivers.”
Heming Willis remains at the main residence with the couple’s two daughters, Mabel, 14, and Evelyn, 11. She said the arrangement also protects them from the full emotional impact of their father’s decline.
“Giving and allowing the girls some space from Bruce also helps prepare them for his death,” she said.
“I know how dark and jarring that sounds, but that is the harsh reality of the world I must navigate to continue to protect our girls the best way I can.
“I know that Bruce wouldn’t want our children’s lives to be clouded by his diagnosis.”
Speaking to Vogue Australia, she reflected on the toll Willis’ health journey has taken on the family.
“I think they’re doing well, all things considered. But it’s hard,” she said of their daughters, who were eight and 10 when Willis was first diagnosed.
“They grieve. They miss their dad so much. He’s missing important milestones. That’s tough for them.”
“But kids are resilient. [Although] I used to hate hearing that because people didn’t understand what we were walking through,” she continued.
“I don’t know if my kids will ever bounce back. But they’re learning, and so am I.”
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