Emma Heming Willis Reflects on Gene Hackman and Wife Betsy's Death: 'Caregivers Need Care Too'

Mar. 15, 2025

(L-R) Emma Heming Willis, Betsy Arakawa and Gene Hackman.Photo:John Nacion/WireImage; Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage

John Nacion/WireImage; Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage

Emma Heming Willisis using her voice to amplify the importance of caregivers amidGene Hackmanand his wifeBetsy Hackman’s deaths.

On Monday, March 10, theMake Time Wellnessfounder and wife ofBruce Williswent on Instagram to share avideo messageabout the importance of supporting caregivers.

“So this is not something I would normally comment on, but I do really believe that there is some learning in this story,” said Heming Willis, 46, while speaking about the “tragic passing” of Hackman, 95, and Betsy, 65, whowere found dead in their New Mexico home on Wednesday, Feb. 26.

“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,” said Emma.

“I think that there’s this common misconception that like caregivers, they got it figured out,” she continued. “They got it covered. They’re good. I don’t subscribe to that. I think that we need to be showing up for them so that they can continue to show up for their person.”

She captioned the post, “Caregivers need care too. Period. Full stop.#supportcaregivers.”

Hackman, 95, died from a combination of severe heart disease, high blood pressure andadvanced Alzheimer’s disease, and was likely alone in the homewith his dead wife for days.

Being that thelast activity on Hackman’s pacemakerwas registered on Feb. 17, Heather Jarrell, New Mexico’s chief medical examiner, told reporters on Friday, March 7, that it was “reasonable to conclude” Hackman, who had no food in his stomach at the time of his death, died the following day. Hackman showed no signs of dehydration, however.

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa.Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty

Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty

Heming Willismarried Willis, 69, in 2009 and shares two daughters with him,Mabel, born in April 2012 andEvelyn, born in May 2014. He alsoshares three daughterswith exDemi Moore.

In March 2022, Willis' family announced that the actor was diagnosed with the language disorderaphasiaand was stepping away from acting. Nearly a year later, in February 2023, Heming Willis revealed that his condition had worsened and that he had beendiagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

Bruce Willis and wife Emma Heming Willis.Theo Wargo/Getty

Theo Wargo/Getty

According to theMayo Clinic, the progressive conditioncauses the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain to shrink, which is known as atrophy.

Since his diagnosis,Heming Willis has been a vocal advocate for FTD researchto find a cure and continued support for those in caregiving roles.

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Her upcoming book,The Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope, and Yourself on the Caregiving Path, which was written as a resource for caregivers, arrives on bookshelves Sept. 9.

source: people.com