Emma Heming Willis, the wife of Hollywood icon Bruce Willis, has shared a poignant and deeply personal account of how her family is navigating the festive season following her husband's diagnosis with frontotemporal dementia.
The Holiday Looks Different Now
In a candid blog post published on Monday 22 December 2025, titled “The Holiday Looks Different Now,” Heming Willis detailed the complex emotions that accompany this time of year. She described how cherished family traditions now require extensive planning and adjustment, and how moments of happiness can be inextricably intertwined with feelings of loss and sorrow.
Despite these profound challenges, she emphasised a message of resilience. Heming Willis wrote that meaning, warmth, and joy can still be discovered, insisting that holidays evolve rather than vanish when dementia becomes part of a family's life. She reflected on Bruce's past holiday rituals, such as his tradition of making pancakes, which now hold a bittersweet significance.
Creating New Memories While Honouring the Old
The model and caregiver expressed her steadfast commitment to forging new memories for their family while paying tribute to the past. This has involved her taking on some of Bruce's former roles to maintain continuity for their children. “I'm committed to creating new family memories while honouring the old ones,” she affirmed, showcasing a determined and loving approach to their changed circumstances.
Addressing the Weight of Care Decisions
This intimate holiday reflection comes shortly after Heming Willis spoke publicly about the immense pressures of caregiving. At a recent conference, she addressed criticism over the “impossible decisions” she has been forced to make regarding her husband's wellbeing.
Among these difficult choices was the decision to move Bruce out of their family home to ensure he receives the specialised, round-the-clock care he requires. Her comments shed light on the harsh realities and painful judgements faced by those caring for loved ones with progressive conditions.
Through her writing and advocacy, Emma Heming Willis continues to offer a raw and honest window into the experience of a family living with dementia, balancing heartbreak with hope and redefining what connection and celebration mean in the face of adversity.
