Family release public messages for Bruce Willis to mark his birthday amid dementia battle: 'So grateful for you'

Rumer Willis has led tributes to her Hollywood star father Bruce Willis this week, as he turns 69.

Rumer, 35, shared a series of pictures of the pair together over the years in her Instagram post, writing: "Oh Daddio, to be loved by you is such a gift."

Her mother Demi Moore and Bruce's wife Emma Heming Willis also shared touching tributes to the Die Hard star, who is battling frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

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"You are the funniest, most tender, charming, out of this world silly talented and magical papa. Looking through these photos this morning I am just filled with the deepest gratitude that we chose to spend this life together," she wrote.

"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."

She added: "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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Demi, who was married to the action star from 1987 to 2000, shared a post writing: "Happy birthday, BW! We love you and are so grateful for you ♥️."

His wife Emma Heming Willis said that the family "simply adore him" in her own tribute.

"What you might not know, but maybe you could imagine, that being wrapped in his arms is the safest place in this whole wide world. He's a true gentle-man," she said.

"With so much love to give and share. That's what I get to see, his true core. I can tell you, it's so pure and ever so good.

"Happy Birthday my love. You are the gift that keeps giving 💞."

Tallulah Willis recently shared some insight into her relationship with her father in a TV interview and his health battle.

"I think on one hand, it's who we are as a family. But also, it's really important for us to spread awareness about FTD," she said on The Drew Barrymore Show.

Dementia Australia Support: 1800 699 799

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