Rumer Willis opened up about the emotional toll of her father Bruce Willis’ ongoing battle with frontotemporal dementia in a heartfelt Father’s Day message. The actress shared her personal heartache as she reflected on her father’s struggles with memory loss and communication, revealing how difficult it is for her to connect with the once-vibrant actor.
“Today is hard, I feel a deep ache in my chest to talk to you and tell you everything I’m doing and what’s going on in my life,” Rumer wrote in an emotional Instagram post on Sunday. She included a series of cherished photos of Bruce throughout the years, expressing her longing for the conversations and closeness they once shared. “I wish I asked you more questions while you could still tell me about it all,” she added.
Bruce, who was diagnosed with aphasia in 2022 and later with frontotemporal dementia in 2023, has seen significant changes in his daily life, a reality that has deeply impacted his family. Despite this, Rumer focused on the gratitude she feels for the moments she still shares with her father, cherishing their physical connection and simple acts of love.
“But I know you wouldn’t want me to be sad today so I’ll try to just be grateful reminding myself how lucky I am that you’re my dad and that you’re still with me,” she wrote. “I can still hold you and hug you and kiss your cheek and rub your head. I can tell you stories.”
Rumer also shared how Bruce’s joy shines through when he interacts with her two-year-old daughter, Louetta. “That simple moment of recognition is something I don’t take for granted,” she said. “I will be grateful for every moment I have with you. I love you so much dad. Happy Father’s Day.”
In her post, Rumer sent love to others in similar situations or who have lost their fathers, as well as to single mothers who play both parental roles. She also offered a playful nod to her future family life.
Bruce, now 70, retired from acting in 2022 as his condition worsened. Throughout this journey, his family, including ex-wife Demi Moore, who remains close friends with Bruce, has stood by him. Bruce shares Rumer, Scout, and Tallulah with Moore, and visits from Demi have remained a constant source of support. Bruce’s wife, Emma Heming Willis, and their two younger daughters, Mabel and Evelyn, also provide unwavering love as they navigate these challenging times together.
