Bruce Willis’ daughter leads the tributes for her dad’s 69th birthday

On his 69th birthday, Bruce Willis’ daughter, Rumer, has shared a touching tribute to her special father as the iconic Die Hard actor continues his courageous battle with dementia.

Rumer’s heartfelt message was filled with deep love, gratitude, and appreciation for the treasured bond she shares with her famous dad.

Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, March 19, Rumer shared her moving words along with an image of her as a toddler with Willis.

“Oh Daddio, to be loved by you is such a gift. You are the funniest, most tender, charming, out of this world silly talented and magical papa,” she began.

“Looking through these photos this morning I am just filled with the deepest gratitude that we chose to spend this life together.

“I am your first baby and man sometimes I wish I could be tiny enough to just cozy up on your chest again and laugh and cuddle you.

“I love you so deep in my bones I don’t know how my muscles hold them. You are the greatest papa I could ever hope for.

“Thank you for your generosity, your silliness and heart. Lou loves you so big Happy Birthday Daddio.”

 

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A post shared by Rumer Glenn Willis (@rumerwillis)

Rumer’s page exploded with birthday wishes, love, and support for her famous dad with the first message being from his wife and Rumer’s step-mom, Emma Heming.

“This is beautiful Rumer. Love you both so much,” she wrote.

Sincere birthday messages for her “Daddio” filled her page from fans and friends near and far.

“Bruce is the definition of a cool daddio.”

“Your dad is our hero. We grew up watching him and his love for his family. Your mom and Dad are #goals. Their commitment to being parents and friends is so inspiring.”

“Happy Birthday to your Dad! He’s always been my favorite actor.”

“Cherish every moment you can. Good fathers are a true gift & huge blessing.”

“So sweet he’s always been my fave actor of all time.”

Willis retired from acting after being diagnosed with aphasia, a condition that affects a person’s ability to communicate, in 2022. 

The Moonlighting star was dealt another devastating and cruel health blow a year later when he was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. 

According to Dementia Australia, frontotemporal dementia causes progressive damage to either or both the frontal or temporal lobes of the brain and can impact behaviour, personality, language, and movement.

Despite the difficult news, at the time Willis family expressed their “relief to finally have a clear diagnosis” and have rallied around the actor to ensure he enjoys as full a life as possible. 

Since then the Willis family has received an outpouring of love and support online.

Willis achieved fame thanks to a leading role in the comedy-drama series Moonlighting and has since gone on to appear in over 70 films. Some of his notable credits include The Last Boy Scout, Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction, science fiction hits such as 12 Monkeys, The Fifth Element, and Armageddon, as well as the supernatural thriller The Sixth Sense.