In a poignant moment on television, longtime host Tom Bergeron used his return to “Dancing With the Stars” to extend warm wishes to actor Bruce Willis and his family.
Bergeron, who left the ABC competition series six years ago, returned as a guest judge for a special 20th-anniversary episode. During the broadcast, he addressed contestant Rumer Willis, who had returned to the ballroom for a dance relay.
“One of the highlights of your season was meeting your dad,” Bergeron told Rumer, who won the show in 2015. “I just want to send my warm wishes to you, your dad, and your family.”
The comment served as a public acknowledgment of Bruce Willis’s ongoing health journey. The actor was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in early 2023. In recent months, his wife, Emma Heming Willis, has spoken candidly about the family’s difficult decisions, including the choice for Bruce to live separately to ensure he receives constant, specialized care.
“It was the safest and best decision—not just for Bruce, but for our entire family,” Heming Willis has explained in previous interviews. She has emphasized the intense pressure and scrutiny faced by caregivers, noting that every case of dementia is unique and requires a personalized approach.
“Caregivers are so judged,” she stated, adding that seeking outside help was a necessary step for her family’s well-being.
Rumer Willis’s appearance on the anniversary special helped her dance partner secure a spot in the semi-finals. Meanwhile, Bergeron’s brief but sincere tribute highlighted a moment of compassion and support for a beloved public figure and his family during a challenging time.
