Emma Willis Stepped Out with Her Rarely Seen Daughters – Photo

As the family grapples with Bruce Willis's health diagnosis, public appearances like this are increasingly rare and bittersweet.

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Emma Heming Willis and the daughters she shares with her husband, Bruce Willis, were spotted running errands together over the weekend. This small moment of normalcy was a welcome sight as Bruce continues to receive 24/7 care for his dementia.

Bruce and Emma Heming Willis attend the premiere of "Motherless Brooklyn" during the 57th New York Film Festival on October 11, 2019 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Emma was spotted in Santa Monica, California, on Sunday, November 9, enjoying an outing with her daughters, Mabel, 13, and Evelyn, 11. The 47-year-old embraced a relaxed style, pairing a white T-shirt with loose-fitting blue jeans and red Converse sneakers. She added a touch of color with a periwinkle sweater casually draped over her shoulders.

Emma Heming and Bruce Willis attend CocoBaba and Ushopal activity on November 4, 2019 in Shanghai, China | Source: Getty Images

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Wearing glasses and no makeup, she kept her look simple, letting her long brown hair fall loosely. Her daughters also opted for casual outfits. Mabel was in a gray printed T-shirt paired with blue jeans and sneakers, while Evelyn chose a black tank top layered with an orange-striped sweater, olive-green cargo pants, and Crocs.

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The sisters appeared in high spirits, smiling and chatting as they walked a few steps behind their mom. Their cheerful mood was a relief to see, as the family continues to navigate Bruce's ongoing health challenges.

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It was evident from the photos that dark-haired Mabel bears a stronger resemblance to Emma, while younger Evelyn resembles Bruce more. Their outing took place just days after Bruce was seen with his carer.

The retired movie star, who stepped away from acting in 2022 due to his worsening health, enjoyed a beachfront stroll in Los Angeles on November 6. He seemed to be in good spirits, flashing a smile during the walk. Bruce kept hold of his carer's hand as they walked together.

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At one point, the 70-year-old reached for a railing, seemingly using it for support. He wore a casual ensemble of a dark grey T-shirt, khaki pants, and grey sneakers, shielding his head with a blue baseball hat and donning black sunglasses. The actor and his carer later paused for a chat while enjoying the ocean views.

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This sighting comes just a day after his ex-wife, Demi Moore, attended a star-studded charity benefit held in Bruce's honor in New York City. Bruce was not present and has largely stayed out of the public eye since his diagnosis.

The actor also shares older daughters Rumer, 37, Scout, 34, and Tallulah, 31, with Demi, whom he was married to from 1987 to 2000. In 2023, his family announced that he had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a form of dementia that causes a rapid decline in the areas of the brain linked to personality and language abilities.

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Now, Bruce has been relocated from the family home to a separate one-story house with a 24/7 care team. An insider opened up about his current state of health, "He's going down fast."

Another source also noted, "Taking care of Bruce isn't just about keeping up his spirits and making sure he can physically get through the day. It also involves looking after the massive fortune he accrued as an A-list movie star."

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Emma said that moving her husband into a separate residence was the hardest decision she has ever had to make — but also the best decision for their family. She explained that the relocation has allowed her to focus on being his spouse.

"But among the sadness and discomfort, it was the right move — for him, for our girls, for me. Ultimately, I could get back to being his wife. And that's such a gift," the actress said.

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Moving Bruce to a separate residence has also proven beneficial by giving him more independence. The actor has the opportunity to reconnect with friends and family.

Emma explained that it allows loved ones to have their own experiences with him without the limitations of being in her home or her needing to manage interactions.

Bruce Willis spotted out in Brentwood, California on September 21, 2024 | Source: Getty Images

This arrangement reduces her anxiety over hosting and witnessing others' reactions to his condition. Hence, the move has created a space where friends and family can engage with Bruce more freely.

Bruce and Emma Heming Willis during the 57th New York Film Festival on October 11, 2019 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

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Emma also provided a heartbreaking update on how her young daughters are coping with Bruce's declining health. She acknowledged that, while they are managing as best they can, it has been incredibly difficult for them.

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The actress added, "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."

Emma emphasized that neither she nor her daughters knows if they will ever fully bounce back, but they are learning to navigate this difficult period together.

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Even with Bruce's care now in the hands of professional carers, Emma still carries the responsibility of managing his estate. Bruce is estimated to have $250 million, which Emma is reportedly now overseeing, as his FTD has progressed too far for him to manage it, even with his team's support.

FTD gradually erodes the areas of the brain that control language, behavior, and personality. Unlike Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia, memory loss is not immediate; instead, patients experience significant personality changes.

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The disease also impacts brain regions responsible for judgment, impulse control, and decision-making. This leaves patients vulnerable to mismanaging their finances, a challenge that places additional responsibilities on caregivers.

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Amidst all of this, Emma also has to prioritize her own well-being and that of her children. She appeared on the "HealSquad" podcast with actress Maria Menounos to discuss the challenges of caring for her husband.

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She shared that Bruce's neurologist had warned her of a grim statistic. Roughly 30 percent of caregivers die before the loved ones they care for. One factor is that around 40 percent of caregivers neglect their own medical appointments due to a lack of support.

This state makes it difficult to manage both their loved ones' needs and their own health. Chronic stress from caregiving can further worsen pre-existing conditions by triggering the body’s "fight-or-flight" response. This can lead to inflammation, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of heart attack.

Emma emphasized the importance of self-care, noting that she and her family are now making appointments for everyone and actively managing their responsibilities.

She stressed that for caregiving to be sustainable, it is essential to prioritize oneself and explained that caring for yourself is not selfish, but rather self-preserving.

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