Rumer Willis Says Dad Bruce Willis Is So Good With Her Daughter
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Rumer Willis recently shared heartwarming details about her father Bruce Willis' special bond with her 1-year-old daughter Louetta, especially during his dementia diagnosis.
During an appearance on the Today show on Wednesday, May 29, the Sorority Row actress, 35, mentioned how great her dad is with her daughter. She recalled a moment when Louetta was taking her first steps towards Bruce, and it was a truly touching moment for the family.
Rumer, the oldest of Bruce Willis's five daughters, shared with the cohosts that watching her dad with his granddaughter brings back memories of her own childhood in a large family. Bruce, 69, is also the father of Scout, 32, and Tallulah, 30, with ex-wife Demi Moore. He has two more daughters, Mabel, 12, and Evelyn, 10, with his current wife Emma Heming.
According to Rumer, Bruce is a dedicated "girl dad." She reminisced about seeing him interact with her and her younger sisters, saying, "Honestly, watching them with the baby unlocks so many childhood memories." Rumer believes that being a grandparent is a wonderful role, as they can shower the grandchild with love and joy without the responsibilities of parenting.
Rumer and her boyfriend Derek Richard Thomas became parents to their daughter in April 2023, just over a year after the Willis family revealed the actor's aphasia diagnosis.
Aphasia is a condition that impacts how a person communicates, resulting from damage to the part of the brain responsible for language expression and comprehension, as explained by Johns Hopkins Medicine.
Rumer Willis Says Dad Bruce Willis Is So Good With Her Daughter
Courtesy of Rumer Willis/Instagram
Bruce's family shared on Instagram in March 2022 that he has been dealing with health issues, specifically a diagnosis of aphasia that is affecting his cognitive abilities. Due to this, Bruce has made the difficult decision to step back from his career.
Almost a year later, the Willis family provided an update, disclosing that Bruce's aphasia had evolved into a more defined diagnosis: frontotemporal dementia (FTD).
FTD is a term that refers to a group of brain diseases that primarily impact the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. These areas are linked to personality, behavior, and language, according to Mayo Clinic.
A source shared exclusively with us in December 2023 that this situation has brought the entire family even closer together. With uncertainty about how much time Bruce has left, they are cherishing every moment spent with him.
The family has openly shared the challenges of caring for their loved one with dementia. However, Rumer recently shared heartfelt memories she has with her dad in a touching birthday tribute on Instagram in March.
In her post, Rumer expressed her gratitude for her father, calling him the funniest, most tender, charming, and incredibly talented dad. She reminisced about their special moments together and thanked him for choosing to share this life with her.
You are my first baby and sometimes I wish I could be small enough to cuddle with you on your chest again. My love for you goes deep into my bones. You are the best dad I could ask for. Thank you for your kindness, your humor, and your love. Lou loves you so much. Happy Birthday, Dad!
Editor's P/S:
The article heartwarmingly portrays the special bond between Bruce Willis and his granddaughter, Louetta, despite his dementia diagnosis. Willis's daughters, including Rumer, have witnessed how he remains a dedicated "girl dad," showering Louetta with love and affection. Rumer's recount of Louetta's first steps towards Bruce illustrates the profound impact he continues to have on the family, evoking memories of his loving presence in their childhood.
Moreover, the article highlights the challenges faced by Willis's family as they navigate his health condition. Despite the diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia, they remain united in their support and cherish every moment spent with him. Rumer's touching birthday tribute to her father speaks volumes about his enduring presence in her life, reminding us of the importance of cherishing our loved ones, especially in times of adversity.