Emma Heming Willis reflects on Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa's deaths: 'Caregivers need care too'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Emma Heming Willis, the wife of Bruce Willis, recently opened up on the importance of caregivers in the wake of the tragic deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa. 

The partially mummified bodies of Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, 65, were found in the couple's Santa Fe, New Mexico, home on February 26. 

Emma 46, has been the caregiver of the 'Die Hard' actor, 69, since he was diagnosed with aphasia in 2022 and subsequent diagnosis of frontotemporal degeneration (FTD) in 2023. 

Emma Heming Willis emphasizes the importance of showing up for caregivers

Taking to her Instagram on Monday, March 10, Emma Heming Willis opened up about the importance of the well-being of the caregivers, as reported by People.

The Make Time Wellness founder started her video message saying, "So this is not something I would normally comment on, but I do really believe that there is some learning in this story," referencing the "tragic passing" of the 'French Connection' actor and his classical pianist wife. 

Emma continued, "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."

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

Summing up her point, Emma captioned her post on Instagram, "Caregivers need care too. Period. Full stop. #supportcaregivers."

Emma has been married to Bruce since 2009, and they share two daughters, Mabel, 12, and Evelyn, 10.

Bruce also shares three daughters - Rumer, 36, Scout, 33, and Tallulah, 31 - with his ex-wife, Demi Moore.

Back in 2022, Bruce’s family shared that he was stepping away from acting after being diagnosed with the language disorder aphasia. Almost a year later, they revealed that the 'Armageddon' actor’s condition had deteriorated, sharing his FTD diagnosis.

Since then, Emma has taken up the mantle to not only be the spokesperson for FTD research but also for caregivers.

How did Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa die?

Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, decamped in their Santa Fe mansion after the Oscar-winning actor retired from acting in the early 2000s.

While authorities quickly ruled out foul play after the couple's remains were found on February 26, they did not reveal the cause of death until March 7. 

As per officials, Arakawa died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) on February 11, a rare respiratory disease caused by exposure to urine, saliva, and feces of infected rodents, while Hackman died on February 18, from significant heart disease and chronic high blood pressure.

The authorities suggested that the actor, who is believed to have been severely impaired by advanced Alzheimer's disease, was likely unaware that his wife was dead. Moreover, an autopsy revealed his stomach contained no food at the time of his death. He, however, did not show any sign of dehydration. 

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