Bruce Willis’ wife issues ‘caregiver’ plea as she delivers verdict on Gene Hackman death amid investigation development
Emma Heming Willis, 46, has called for greater support for caregivers following the tragic deaths of actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa.
The wife of iconic actor Bruce Willis, who has frontotemporal dementia, shared her thoughts in an Instagram video posted on Monday.
Authorities revealed that Hackman died from a combination of severe heart disease, high blood pressure and advanced Alzheimer’s disease aged 95.
His wife Betsy, 65, died from the rare hantavirus pulmonary syndrome which is transmitted through rodent urine, saliva and droppings.
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Medical examiners believe Hackman likely died on February 18, based on data from his pacemaker, while Betsy’s last known communication was an email sent on February 11.
They added that Hackman may have been alone in the home with his deceased wife for several days before his own death.
In her Instagram video, Heming Willis spoke about the “tragic passing” of Hackman and Arakawa.
“It’s just made me think of this broader story, and that is that caregivers need care too and that they are vital,” she said.
“It is so important that we show up for them so that they can continue to show up for their person,” she added.
“I think that there’s this common misconception that like caregivers, they got it figured out. They got it covered. They’re good. I don’t subscribe to that.”
The 46-year-old continued: “I think that we need to be showing up for them so that they can continue to show up for their person.”
Heming Willis has personal experience as a caregiver to her Hollywood legend husband Willis, who was diagnosed with aphasia in March 2022.
In February 2023, she revealed his condition had worsened to frontotemporal dementia (FTD).
The couple married in 2009 and share two daughters, Mabel and Evelyn.
Since her husband’s diagnosis, Heming Willis has become a vocal advocate for FTD research and for caregivers.
She is set to release a book titled The Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope, and Yourself on the Caregiving Path later this year.
The book is written as a resource for caregivers, drawing from her own experiences.
“It’s important for care partners to look after themselves so that they can be the best care partner for the person they’re caring for,” she explained.