Emma Heming Willis shared a heartwarming video of Bruce enjoying one last ride on Splash Mountain in Disneyland before it shut down.
Earlier this year, 68-year-old Willis disclosed his diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia, just a year after retiring from acting due to an initial aphasia diagnosis. In a statement, his family acknowledged that difficulties in communication were just one symptom of the disease he faces.
They also highlighted the cruelty of frontotemporal dementia (FTD), the most common form of dementia affecting individuals under 60, and expressed hope for future advancements in treatment.
“The veteran actor has been experiencing some health issues and has recently been diagnosed with aphasia, which is impacting his cognitive abilities,” his family’s Instagram statement read at the time.
“As a result of this and with much consideration Bruce is stepping away from the career that has meant so much to him. This is a challenging time for our family and we are so appreciative of your continued love, compassion, and support.”
They continued: “We are moving through this as a strong family unit, and wanted to bring his fans in because we know how much he means to you, as you do to him. As Bruce always says, ‘Live it up’ and together we plan to do just that.”
Then, earlier this year, his family issued an update on his condition, and confirmed that his condition had progressed from aphasia to a more specific diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia.
Their statement read: “As a family, we wanted to take this opportunity to thank you all for the outpouring of love and compassion for Bruce over the past ten months,” they wrote, adding: “Your generosity of spirit has been overwhelming, and we are tremendously grateful for it. For your kindness, and because we know you love Bruce as much as we do, we wanted to give you an update. “
They continued: “Since we announced Bruce’s diagnosis of aphasia in spring 2022, Bruce’s condition has progressed and we now have a more specific diagnosis: frontotemporal dementia (known as FTD). Unfortunately, challenges with communication are just one symptom of the disease Bruce faces. While this is painful, it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis.”
Following this devastating news, members of the family shared the first video of the star after his diagnosis.
A clip of Bruce celebrating his sixty-eighth birthday was shared online, showing Bruce talking and laughing surrounded by his family, while they all sang happy birthday to him.
His ex-wife Demi Moore captioned the sweet post: “Happy birthday, BW! So glad we could celebrate you today. Love you and love our family. Thank you to everyone for the love and warm wishes — we all feel them.”
Since the news, Willis’ family have tried to make the actor as comfortable as possible while dealing with such a tragic shift in his personality.
And recently Emma Heming took Willis and their daughters to Disneyland.
Before it closed for its “Princess and the Frog”-themed renovation, Bruce Willis and his family rode Splash Mountain at Disneyland one final time. His wife, Emma Heming Willis, posted a photo of the memorable family occasion on Instagram last week.
Bruce and Emma’s younger kids, Mabel, 11, and Evelyn, 9, could be seen riding Splash Mountain in the video, with Bruce keeping a tight hold on them both.
“You better watch out,” he says, adding: “I think we’re going again.”
Emma also posted videos of her family riding other park rides. “You bet this family will be back for more fun and laughs when you reopen as Tiana Bayou,” she wrote as the description for the video. “Thanks for all the memories Splash Mountain.”
On May 31, Disneyland’s Splash Mountain was permanently shut down. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, which is scheduled to debut in Disneyland and Disney World in 2024, is currently undergoing renovations.
