Emma Heming Willis, who is the caregiver for her husband Bruce Willis, is speaking out in the aftermath of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa’s tragic cause of death was revealed.
The couple and one of their dogs were found dead in their New Mexico home, sparking an investigation which ultimately found that Betsy, who was a caregiver for Gene, had died in February.
Authorities suspect when she died, the actor was unaware of her death due to his Alzheimer’s disease.
The tragic revelation means the beloved actor may have been disorientated, increasingly malnourished, and unable to get help for the next seven days until his death after experiencing a fall near the entrance to their home.
Following the devastating revelation, Emma has spoken out, urging people to find meaning in the “broader story”.
She said in a candid Instagram video to her 971,000 followers: “This is not something I would normally comment on but I do really believe there is some learning in the story of the tragic passing of Mr and Mrs Hackman.
“That is, caregivers need care too. They are vital. It is so important that we show up for them so they can continue to show up for their person.
“I think there’s this common misconception that caregivers got it figured out, they’ve got it covered, they’re good.
“I don’t subscribe to that. I think we need to be showing up for them so they can continue to show up for their person.”
The former model has been a carer for her Die Hard star husband since he initially retired from acting in 2022 after an aphasia diagnosis.
In early 2023, Emma revealed alongside Bruce’s ex-wife Demi Moore and their three adult daughters his diagnosis had progressed to frontotemporal dementia (FTD).
Since then, Emma has become an advocate for FTD awareness as well as being incredibly candid about life as a carer.
Last month, for National Caregivers Day, the Make Time founder urged: “Let’s move away from saying; ‘Let me know if you need anything,’ and instead say; ‘Here’s how I can help you.’ It’s tangible, actionable, and takes the burden off the caregiver to decide.
Unpaid carers in the UK have been pushing for more financial support and respite from the government, and seemed poised to get some relief next month.
From April 2025, the changes to Carer’s Allowance confirmed in Rachel Reeves’ budget last October will allow carers to work more hours every week, in turn earning more income without sacrificing their much-needed benefit.
The threshold will rise from £151 to £196, an unprecedented increase.
However, Carer’s UK has highlighted to the government that 1.2 million carers are living in poverty across the UK and need urgent help largely because they aren’t able to work alongside their caring duties so this increase will have little effect on their dire situation.
