Bruce Willis' daughter 'wept' as she realised he won't be at her wedding

28 September 2023 , 09:34

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Bruce Willis has a close relationship with his daughter

Bruce Willis' daughter Tallulah Willis has shared the heartbreaking moment her father's dementia diagnosis "hit me painfully".

It was announced earlier this year that the 68-year-old Die Hard star had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, having previously been given the diagnosis of aphasia. Frontotemporal dementia is a rare type of the horrific disease which causes problems with behaviour and language.

After being told about the diagnosis, Bruce's 29-year-old daughter said it didn't immediately sink in. That was until she attended a friend's wedding and she realised her father would never be able to speak at her own wedding ceremony.

Tallulah explained: "I remember a moment when it hit me painfully: I was at a wedding in the summer of 2021 on Martha's Vineyard, and the bride's father made a moving speech. Suddenly I realised that I would never get that moment, my dad speaking about me in adulthood at my wedding."

Bruce Willis has been diagnosed with dementia (VCG via Getty Images)

Tallulah described the realisation as "devastating". In an essay she wrote in Vogue, she admitted: "I left the dinner table, stepped outside, and wept in the bushes.

Bruce Willis diagnosed with dementia as family release emotional statement

Bruce has been supported by his family amid his dementia diagnosis, with his wife Emma Heming Willis raising awareness about the condition in the months since the news. Emma appeared on the Today Show this week for an interview that coincided with World FTD Awareness Week. She spoke about her husband and her experience supporting him.

In the vulnerable interview, Emma shared an inside look into her marriage with the actor and described her own experience caring for Bruce. She admitted that she has felt "grief and the sadness" as she watched her husband's condition deteriorate.

Tallulah Willis opened up about her father's condition (INSTAGRAM)

Emma was supported by her step-daughter Scout LaRue Willis following the TV appearance. The 32-year-old took to Instagram and wrote: "I TRULY could not be more proud of @emmahemingwillis for being willing to step out into the public eye, (even though it's terrifying!!!) to share our family's story in service of spreading awareness about FTD.

"Emma you are such a champion for this cause and you inspire me EVERY SINGLE F*****G DAY with your bravery and deep deep loving. Your courage is moving mountains #ftd #ftdawareness."

Scarlett O'Toole