After she and the rest of the 67-year-old actor’s family revealed this week thathe has aphasia and would be retiring from acting, a source tells PEOPLE that the diagnosis has “been hard for” Emma, 43, as “it’s not easy seeing a spouse decline.”
“Their girls are still so young too,” the insider adds of the couple’s daughtersEvelyn, 7, andMabel, 10. “Emma has to keep it together for them.”
The source tells PEOPLE Emma “is working with several professionals to help” her husband, and “has arranged for him to see the best doctors.”
“He has an assistant at home to make sure that he is safe, but Emma takes care of him too,” the insider adds. “Because Bruce is older than Emma, they knew that his health might decline sooner than hers. Still, his diagnosis has been shocking for her.”
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Willis' family shared the news ofhis diagnosis and subsequent retirementon Instagram Wednesday, writing alongside a photo of him on Instagram, “To Bruce’s amazing supporters, as a family we wanted to share that our beloved Bruce has been experiencing some health issues and has recently been diagnosed with aphasia, which is impacting his cognitive abilities.”
Bruce and Emma Heming Willis in 2019.Theo Wargo/Getty
“As a result of this and with much considerationBruce is stepping away from the careerthat has meant so much to him,” the caption added.
According toMayo Clinic, aphasia “is a condition that robs you of the ability to communicate. It can affect your ability to speak, write and understand language, both verbal and written.”
The group adds that the condition “typically occurs suddenly after a stroke or a head injury. But it can also come on gradually from a slow-growing brain tumor or a disease that causes progressive, permanent damage (degenerative).”
Willis' family’s Instagram posts went on to say that it “is a really challenging time” for them all, “and we are so appreciative of your continued love, compassion and support.”
“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,” they concluded, signing the note from the actor’s daughtersRumer Willis,Scout Willis,Tallulah Willis, Mabel and Evelyn, plus Bruce’s wife Emma and ex-wifeDemi Moore.
On Thursday evening, Emmaposted a message forfamily, friends and fans, thanking them for sharing support as they rally around her.
“Your love, support, compassion, prayers really help. I’m grateful,” the model wrote in a post on herInstagram Story. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Jen Juneau
source: people.com
