Emma Heming Willis, the wife and primary carer of Bruce Willis, who is suffering from a rare form of dementia, has issued a statement following the deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa.
Hackman, Arakawa and one of their dogs were found dead in their New Mexico home on February 26, after neighbourhood security conducted a welfare check.
Following an investigation by local authorities, it was concluded that Arakawa died around seven days before her husband, meaning the actor, who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, likely spent a week by himself, disorientated, malnourished and unable to call for help.
Speaking on Instagram, Heming Willis said she hoped their tragic deaths would prompt people to reflect on the “broader story”.
“I do really believe that there is some learning,” she said. “Caregivers need care, too. And that they are vital, and that it is so important that we show up for them so that they can continue to show up for their person.”
She continued: “I think that there’s this common misconception that caregivers, they got it figured out. They got it covered. They’re good. I don’t subscribe to that.”
Willis was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in 2023, a year after he announced his retirement from acting due to aphasia, a language disorder that affects a person’s ability to communicate. It is believed he is no longer verbal.
Since his diagnosis, Heming Willis has continued to share updates about her husband’s health on social media. In March, she hit back at reports that her husband is “living without joy” as a result of his deterioration.
Willis’s wife, his daughters and ex-wife Demi Moore have also been heavily praised for their support of the Die Hard star since his diagnosis. Heming Willis’ memoir of caregiving, The Unexpected Journey, will be published in September.
“Having resources and information readily available is imperative,” she said of the book. “I know between my experience and other care partners that I have spoken to; our stories are unfortunately similar.”
Earlier this week, actor Don Johnson, who is a close friend of Willis’s, provided an update on the actor’s condition, saying: “We’re best of friends and he’s having a little bit of a struggle right now. I take this moment to send him love.”