Bruce Willis' wife issues amazing reflection on Gene Hackman's passing

As Bruce Willis continues to live with frontotemporal dementia, his wife, Emma Heming Willis, has emerged as a vocal advocate for those who support loved ones with long-term care needs.

This week, she reflected on the tragic deaths of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife and caregiver, Betsy Arakawa, in a heartfelt video shared on Instagram.

"So this is not something I would normally comment on, but I do really believe that there is some learning in this story," Heming Willis said of Hackman and Arakawa.

The couple was found dead in their New Mexico home in late February. According to the New Mexico medical investigator’s office, Arakawa, 65, succumbed to hantavirus, a rare and often fatal disease, while Hackman, 95, passed away days later due to heart disease. Authorities revealed that Hackman had been living with Alzheimer’s disease and may not have realised he was alone after his wife's passing.

Heming Willis used the heartbreaking story to highlight a crucial issue: the well-being of caregivers themselves. "It's just made me think of this broader story, and that is that 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 stated.

She further addressed a common misconception about caregivers, saying that many assume they "have it all figured out".

"They've got it covered, they're good," she said before clarifying, "I don't subscribe to that. We need to be showing up for them so they can continue to show up for their person."

In the caption of her video, Heming Willis reinforced her message: "Caregivers need care too. Period. Full stop. #supportcaregivers."

The flood of responses to her post was immediate and heartfelt, as fans and followers shared their experiences for caring for loved ones. "I had the same terrified reaction to Gene Hackman," wrote one reader. "What must he have suffered those last days? And his wife? It’s unfathomable. My father was a dedicated caregiver to my mom. Realising that dementia takes every ounce of patience and energy, my two sisters and I were honoured to take one full day each per week (in addition to afternoon nurses two alternate days) to support my dad’s decision to keep mama at home. She’s been gone three years now and I have never once regretted those special Fridays with her. Your message is so very important."

"I’m so glad you said this," wrote another reader. "Because that’s exactly what I was thinking when this happened that his wife was so devoted to him that she didn’t take care of herself and this happens a lot with women a lot! She didn’t have any children, but I’m amazed that no friends checked in on her."

Heming Willis speaks from personal experience, having taken on the role of primary caregiver for her husband since his diagnosis. It was announced in 2022 that Bruce Willis would step away from his acting career due to cognitive issues, which were later identified as frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a progressive brain disorder. The couple, who married in 2009, share two daughters, Mabel and Evelyn.

Through her platform, Heming Willis remains committed to raising awareness and fostering support for those navigating the complexities of long-term care.

Images: Instagram