Rumer Willis, the daughter of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, is reportedly rushing to get married to her boyfriend, Derek Richard Thomas, so that her father, who has been diagnosed with dementia, can attend and participate in the ceremony.
According to an insider, Rumer wants her father to remember and participate in her wedding, and Bruce is already planning to walk her down the aisle and give a speech.
Doctors have reportedly said that Bruce could have as little as a few years left before the disease’s worst effects take hold, so Rumer wants to ensure that he can be present for her special day.
How did the couple meet?
In November 2022, Rumer Willis and Derek Richard Thomas made their relationship public a month before announcing that they were expecting their first child together.
The couple posted pictures on Instagram, showing Thomas kissing Willis on the cheek. While they have not confirmed the date they started dating, they have been open about their admiration for each other’s musical talents on social media.
Willis, who is the daughter of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, has been relatively private about her romantic relationships in the past.
However, she has been open about her desire to start a family. In a November 2020 appearance on The Talk, Willis revealed that even her father had put pressure on her to have children.
Bruce Willis, who shares three daughters with Moore, has five daughters in total, and Willis joked that he needs some “male energy” in the family.
Although Willis has been private about her previous relationships, she has been open about her admiration for Thomas.
In May 2022, she praised Thomas and his band, The Hail Maries, on Instagram, describing them as “the most talented singers and songwriters” she has heard in a long time.
Thomas, for his part, has been equally effusive about Willis, describing her as a “magical human” in an Instagram post on her birthday.
Willis and Thomas’s pregnancy announcement was met with congratulations from their friends and followers.
The couple shared a picture of Thomas kissing Willis’s baby bump on Instagram, with Willis writing, “Baby Willis-Thomas coming soon.”
The news of their pregnancy was met with excitement as Willis’s followers eagerly awaited the arrival of her and Thomas’s child.
Rumer Willis struggles with her dad’s illness
Bruce Willis’ family is feeling sadness as they celebrate the actor’s 68th birthday — his first since his dementia diagnosis last year.
“Bruce’s family are all feeling the heavy sadness of it being his birthday while he’s facing this brutal disease,” a source close to the family told Page Six.
The insider added that while the “Die Hard” star’s loved ones are trying to stay positive, it’s difficult for them to ignore the harsh reality of his condition.
“They’re all trying to be optimistic and keep him smiling, but they know there’s no cure and the disease will only get worse. It’s heartbreaking,” the source said.
Willis’ eldest daughter, Rumer, is also grappling with her dad’s illness while expecting her first child with boyfriend Derek Richard Thomas.
“Rumer’s really trying to stay strong, but it’s tough,” the source said. “She’s trying to focus on her baby and her upcoming wedding, but she can’t ignore what’s happening with her dad.”
