For more than a decade, Demi Moore has shared her life and made memories with her ex-husband Bruce Willis. But as she battles frontotemporal dementia, the “Ghost” star said she finds comfort in staying in the moment.
Moore, who was married to the “Die Hard” actor from 1987 to 2000, was candid about how she is coping with her ex-husband's condition, nearly two years after his diagnosis. Appearing on Tuesday's episode of Andy Cohen's SiriusXM show, “Radio Andy,” the “Feud: Capote vs. The Swans” encouraged people caring for loved ones with dementia to “meet them where they are.”
“When you let go of who they have been or who you think they are [were] or who even you would like them to be,” Moore continued, “then you can really stay in the present and absorb the joy and love that is present and there for all that they are, not all that they are not. “
“That's beautiful,” Cohen responded.
Despite divorcing in 2000, Moore and Willis, who share daughters Rumer, Scout LaRue and Tallulah, have remained close. On Instagram, Moore, 61, wished her ex-husband, 68, many happy birthdays and thanked him for sharing a close-knit family.
Willis is currently married to model Emma Heming Willis, 45. They share young daughters, Evelyn and Mabel.
In March 2022, Moore helped break the news that Willis was diagnosed with aphasia and would be stepping away from his acting career, which included the films “Pulp Fiction,” “The Sixth Sense” and “Moonlighting.” According to the National Aphasia Association, aphasia is an acquired communication disorder that affects the ability to process language but does not affect intelligence.
“This is a truly challenging time for our family and we are so grateful for your continued love, compassion and support,” Moore said in a letter from an Instagram post also written by Willis' daughters and wife. “We're going through this as a strong family unit and we wanted to appeal to his fans because we know how much he means to you, just like you mean to him.”
In February 2023, Willis' loved ones, including Moore, revealed that the actor was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia.
“Unfortunately, communication problems are just a symptom of the illness Bruce faces,” they said in a joint statement. “While this is painful, it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis.”
Moore last posted about Willis on Instagram last year for Father's Day, noting that she will be “forever grateful” for him and the children they share.
For “Radio Andy,” the Emmy-nominated actress joined several of her “Feud: Capote vs. The Swans” to promote the upcoming FX series. In the second installment of the anthology series, Moore plays socialite Ann Woodward. The series also stars Tom Hollander, Naomi Watts, Diane Lane, Chloë Sevigny, Molly Ringwald and Calista Flockhart.
“Feud: Capote vs. The Swans” premieres Wednesday.
