Emma Heming Willis shares how holidays with husband Bruce Willis are still full of joy, just in a different way

Emma Heming Willis opened up to PEOPLE during the End Well 2025 conference in Los Angeles about spending the holidays with her husband, Bruce Willis. The actress, model, and author, 47, described the season as joyous, just different, reflecting on how their family has adjusted since Bruce's diagnosis.

Bruce always loved Christmas, and we continue to celebrate with him. It just looks different now, so weve adapted, Emma explained.

Bruce, 70, received an aphasia diagnosis in 2022, followed by frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Around the same time, the family announced that he would retire from acting. Emma has actively raised awareness about FTD through interviews, social media, and her book The Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope, and Yourself on the Caregiving Path.

At the conference, Emma discussed dementia care onstage with Yvette Nicole Brown. She candidly told PEOPLE that holidays can be challenging for families dealing with dementia, but emphasized the importance of finding joy. I think its important to put Die Hard on because its a Christmas movie, she joked.

Emma also shared insights on maintaining family traditions despite the changes brought by dementia. You have to learn and adapt, make new memories, and keep some of the old traditions. Life goes on. Dementia is difficult, but there is still joy in it. We are still laughing. There is still happiness. It just looks different, she said.

Emma and Bruce, married since 2009, have two daughters together: Mabel Ray Willis, 13, and Evelyn Penn Willis, 11. Bruce is also father to three adult daughtersRumer Glenn Willis, 37, Scout LaRue Willis, 34, and Tallulah Belle Willis, 31from his previous marriage to Demi Moore, 63.

Our life is simpleit always has been. Just being present with him is the joy. Being able to be his wife with him. Those are the moments that matter, Emma reflected.

The Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope, and Yourself on the Caregiving Path is currently available wherever books are sold.

Adapting to Change: A Glimpse into Emma Heming Willis' Holiday Season

Emma Heming Willis' reflection on the holiday season reveals how, despite Bruce Willis' diagnosis with aphasia and frontotemporal dementia, the family continues to find ways to celebrate. The actress and author shared that their Christmas gatherings are still "joyous, just different," acknowledging the challenges of the disease while also highlighting the importance of adapting to new circumstances.

Since Bruce's diagnosis in 2022, Emma has taken on the role of not only a caregiver but also a vocal advocate for raising awareness about dementia. Through her book, "The Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope, and Yourself on the Caregiving Path," and her social media presence, she aims to support others navigating similar paths. In her recent conversation at the End Well 2025 conference in Los Angeles, she spoke openly about how holidays can be especially difficult for families living with dementia, but emphasized that joy and connection remain possible, even if in altered forms.

Her story underscores an essential message: while dementia may change the landscape of family traditions, it does not eliminate them. Emma's approach—finding a balance between honoring old traditions and creating new memories—offers hope to those facing similar trials. As she reflected, "Life goes on. Dementia is difficult, but there is still joy in it. We are still laughing. There is still happiness. It just looks different."

The Willis family, consisting of Emma, Bruce, and their two daughters Mabel and Evelyn, along with Bruce's three adult daughters from his previous marriage, continues to find comfort in simplicity. Emma's remarks remind us that the essence of family life and the moments that matter most remain intact, even amidst profound change.

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• Emma Heming Willis Says Holidays Are Still 'Joyous' with Husband Bruce Willis: 'It Just Looks Different' (Exclusive)