Rumer Willis has provided an update on her father, Bruce Willis, in light of his frontotemporal dementia diagnosis.
During an "Ask Me Anything (AMA) Uncensored" session on her Instagram Stories on Thursday, August 22, Rumer, 36, responded to a fan's inquiry about her dad. The fan asked, "How's your dad doing? Sending love to all you guys," to which Rumer affectionately replied, "He is great, I love him so much. Thank you."
The Willis family first disclosed in March 2022 that Bruce, now 69, had been diagnosed with aphasia, a condition that affects communication abilities. In February 2023, his wife, Emma Heming Willis, 46, confirmed that his condition had progressed to frontotemporal dementia.
Back in May, during an appearance on the "Today" show, Rumer was also asked about her father's health. She fondly recalled the moments Bruce shared with her 16-month-old daughter, Louetta, whom she co-parents with her ex-boyfriend, Derek Richard Thomas. (Rumer later revealed in the AMA that she and Thomas had parted ways.)
"He's doing really well. I actually saw him right before coming out to New York," Rumer shared with host Hoda Kotb. "And Lou is just starting to walk a bit, and she was toddling over to him, and it was such a sweet moment."
The actress went on to emphasize Bruce's deep connection with his daughters, saying, "He's always been a girl dad through and through. Watching him with my sisters, my little sisters, you see all those qualities coming back."
Kotb commented on how it was heartwarming to witness those traits in Bruce, to which Rumer agreed with a nod.
Bruce Willis is the proud father of five daughters: Rumer, Scout, 33, and Tallulah, 30, with his ex-wife Demi Moore, 61, and Mabel, 12, and Evelyn, 10, with his current wife, Emma.
In a conversation earlier in May, Rumer had shared that the "Die Hard" star was "doing really good." She also mentioned to "Fox News" the importance of being open about Bruce's condition, hoping it could offer comfort to others facing similar challenges with their loved ones.
"What has been so incredible through this experience is seeing how beloved my dad is, and that's evident in the way we've shared our journey with transparency," Rumer said. "If sharing our experience brings even a glimmer of hope or comfort to someone else going through something similar, then that's everything to me."
Frontotemporal dementia refers to a group of brain disorders that impact the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. This degeneration can lead to difficulties with speech, emotional regulation, and personality changes. Over time, the symptoms worsen and may include motor skill impairment, difficulty walking, swallowing, or experiencing muscle spasms. Symptoms often begin between the ages of 40 and 65, although younger individuals can also be affected. It's the most common form of dementia for people under 60.
The Quran - Chapter Al-Mulk : 12 - 13
Indeed, those in awe of their Lord without seeing Him will have forgiveness and a mighty reward.
Whether you speak secretly or openly—He surely knows best what is ˹hidden˺ in the heart.
