Rumer Willis, daughter of Bruce Willis, shared an emotional update on her father's health as he battles frontotemporal dementia (FTD), specifically primary progressive aphasia (PPA), a subtype of the condition. In a candid post on her Instagram Story Thursday, the 37-year-old actress answered a follower’s question, "How’s your dad doing?" and admitted it was a difficult question to answer.

Rumer explained that the reality of FTD means that “anybody with FTD is not doing great.” However, she reassured fans that Bruce, 70, is “doing OK in terms of somebody who’s dealing with frontotemporal dementia.” Still, the disease significantly impacts her perspective on his condition.

Despite the ongoing challenges, Rumer expressed how grateful she is to still have moments with her dad. "I feel so happy and grateful that I still get to hug him," she said, adding that regardless of whether or not he recognizes her, she believes he still “recognizes the love.” Even though Bruce is not the same person she once knew, Rumer sees a “spark of him,” which brings her comfort during this difficult time.

Rumer Willis gave her fans a heartbreaking update about her movie star father, Bruce Willis, as he battles a subtype of frontotemporal dementia (FTD), primary progressive aphasia (PPA).rumerwillis/Instagram

Rumer took to her Instagram Story Thursday to answer questions submitted by her followers. “How’s your dad doing?” one submission read, prompting her to admit that “people always ask [her] this question.”rumerwillis/Instagram

Rumer also shared that she’s thankful for the opportunity to bring her 2-year-old daughter, Louetta, to visit with her grandfather.

The Willis family first shared in March 2022 that Bruce had been diagnosed with aphasia, a language disorder, which led him to retire from his successful acting career. In February 2023, they revealed that Bruce's condition had progressed to FTD.

She explained that it’s “a hard one to answer because, the truth is, anybody with FTD is not doing great.”BACKGRID

Rumer elaborated that Bruce is “doing OK in terms of somebody who’s dealing with frontotemporal dementia.”Rumer Willis/Instagram

In August, Bruce’s wife, Emma Heming, shared the difficult decision to move him into a separate home for round-the-clock care, acknowledging the need for a quiet, comfortable, and safe environment as part of his care plan. She responded strongly to critics who questioned her decision, stating, "If they don’t have the experience of this, they don’t get a say — and they definitely don’t get a vote."

The actress confessed that “those parameters” affect how she views the situation.rumerwillis/Instagram

Still, she feels “so happy and grateful” that she still gets to “hug him.” And “whether he recognizes [her] or not,” she believes he “recognizes the love,” which she feels in return.rumerwillis/Instagram

Emma also noted that the new arrangement has been positive for their daughters, Mabel, 13, and Evelyn, 11, giving them the space to continue being kids while also maintaining a close relationship with their father. Despite the separation, Emma emphasized that their lives are not separate; she continues to spend time with Bruce, and the girls regularly visit his home, keeping personal belongings there.

Though Bruce is not the dad she once knew, Rumer still sees “a spark of him,” which “feels really nice.”FilmMagic

The singer is also thankful that she gets to bring her 2-year-old daughter, Louetta, to visit with her grandfather.Rumer Willis/Instagram

Bruce shares Rumer, Scout Willis, 34, and Tallulah Willis, 31, with his first wife, actress Demi Moore. The family has been very open about Bruce’s diagnosis and their journey with FTD, continuing to find ways to cherish their moments together despite the challenges.