Emma Heming Willis is missing her partner in life.
Three years into Bruce Willis’ battle with frontotemporal dementia (FTD),his wife is looking back at the earlier stages of their relationship—specifically, a trip to Los Angeles’ Magic Mountain amusement park 17 years ago—and missing what her family had.
After going to the Six Flags park with her and Bruce’s daughters Mabel Ray Willis, 13, and Evelyn Penn Willis, 11, left Emma feeling like she remembered the famed Viper ride to be “a lot more fun than it was,” she reflected in a Dec. 21 Instagram post, “But the last time I rode it was with Bruce, back in 2008. And that time was FUN.”
And indeed, the accompanying Instagram video showed Emma and Bruce riding the rollercoaster almost 20 years ago, the Die Hard actor laughing and exclaiming over the ride’s the twists and turns. Among his many reactions were comments such as, “Oh for the love of Christ,” as the pair approached a particularly big plunge, and, “I just wet myself,” after they went through the corkscrew.
“I’m pretty sure you’re not supposed to bring a camera on those rides, but I’m so glad he did,” Emma wrote. “His commentary. His laugh. He always made everything fun. That was him, pure fun.”
The 47-year-old—who tied the knot with Bruce in 2009—concluded, “I love him. And simply, I miss him being my ride companion.”
In the years since Bruce’s diagnosis with aphasia in 2022, and then the more specific diagnosis of FTD a year later, Emma and Bruce’s many loved ones—including his and ex Demi Moore’s daughters Rumer Willis, 37, Scout Willis, 34, and Talullah Willis, 31—have been candid about the ups and downs their family has experienced in caring for the Sixth Sense actor.
And when it comes to the holiday season, Bruce’s health challenges mean navigating a new normal.
As Emma explained to People in an interview published Nov. 27, “You have to learn and adapt and make new memories, bring in the same traditions that you had before. Life goes on. It just goes on.”
“Dementia is hard, but there is still joy in it,” she continued. “I think it's important that we don't paint such a negative picture around dementia. We are still laughing. There is still joy. It just looks different.”
After all, for Emma and her family, Bruce has always been a source of holiday cheer.
“Bruce loved Christmas and we love celebrating it with him,” she explained. “It just looks different, so we've adapted to that.”
For a closer look at the Armageddon actor’s loved ones who will be by his side this holiday season, read on.
Blended Family
Bruce Willis stepped out with wife Emma Hemming Willis to celebrate the release of ex Demi Moore's 2019 memoir Inside Out. He was joined by his three daughters with the G.I. Jane actress, Rumer Willis, Scout Willis and Tallulah Willis.
Adventure Is Out There
In 2021, Bruce and Emma went on a hike with their daughters Evelyn Willis and Mabel Willis.
Big 7-0
In March 2025, Demi posted this family photo of herself with Bruce and Tallulah. "Quality time with our BW," she wrote in celebration of the actor's 70th birthday. "Who was feeling the love! Keep it pouring in!"
Heap of Love
Bruce received a big cuddle from his three oldest daughters and Demi in 2025.
Daddio's Little Girl
"Oh Daddio, to be loved by you is such a gift," Rumer wrote in an Instagram tribute to her father in March 2024. "You are the funniest, most tender, charming, out of this world silly talented and magical papa. Looking through these photos this morning I am just filled with the deepest gratitude that we chose to spend this life together. I am your first baby and man sometimes I wish I could be tiny enough to just cozy up on your chest again and laugh and cuddle you."
Tallulah's 30th Birthday
In February 2024, Demi shared this pic of her ex-husband with the youngest of the three daughters they share together, writing, "Showering our @buuski with love today on her 30th birthday."
"Grateful and Thankful"
In November 2023, the actor celebrated his first Thanksgiving since being diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia earlier that year. His wife Emma shared this photo from Bruce's 68th birthday party from March.
"I’m grateful and thankful to know this kind of love," she wrote. "Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving."
All Smiles
The actor posed with his ex-wife and their daughters Rumer and Tallulah backstage at his Comedy Central roast in 2018.
Three Generations
Bruce became a grandpa in April 2023 when Rumer welcomed a baby girl named Louetta.
Newest Addition
The entire family got together to celebrate the birth of Rumer's baby.
Backstage Buddies
Bruce had two special vistors when he starred in Broadway's Misery in 2016.
Broadway Bunch
The family showed up in full force to support Rumer's 2015 Broadway debut as Roxie Hart in Chicago.
Feeling Festive
"I put my camera on a ladder, set the timer, and crossed my fingers," Emma captioned this family Christmas photo. "Now that’s 2020 for you."
Movie Date
Bruce took his three oldest daughters to the Over the Hedge premiere in 2006.
Sweet Kisses
The dad of five shared a sweet moment with daughter Mabel.
Giving Back
Tallulah, Scout and Rumer joined their dad at a Bruce Willis Charity Foundation in 2005.
Dancing With the Fam
The family celebrated Rumer's Dancing With the Stars win with Val Chmerkovskiy.
Polaroid Memories
"What a privilege it is every day to be your daughter," Rumer captioned this throwback photo. "I love you so much. You are the coolest cat in town."
A Birthday to Remember
Emma rang in her 43rd birthday in 2021 with Bruce and their daughters, as well as Rumer and Demi.
'Tis the Season
The family spent Christmas 2022 together.
Star Status
Bruce was joined by mom Marlene and his three oldest daughters when he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2006.
Happy Haunts
The action star dressed up with Mabel and Evelyn on Halloween 2021.
Getting Silly
Tallulah jokingly captioned this photo of herself and dad Bruce making silly faces, "high drama club."
Snow Squad
Evelyn and Mabel hit the slopes during a family ski trip.
Gang's All Here
The family, including Demi's then-husband Ashton Kutcher, stepped out to watch Rumer in 2008's The House Bunny.
Disney Magic
Bruce and Emma took their kids to Walt Disney World in 2017.
Proud Parents
"First time performing in a play for these two!" Emma wrote on Instagram 2018. "Mabel played Molly and Evelyn as Sandy in an Off-off-off-off-off-off Broadway [winking emoji] production of Annie. The whole cast and production was stellar—Mom and Dad couldn’t be prouder."