The wife of Die Hard star Bruce Willis has hit back at speculation about the actor’s declining health.

Emma Heming Willis took to social media to shut down recent rumours the iconic action hero has lost the ability to talk or walk.

“To Whom It May Concern: If you ever come across a story that begins with ‘sources close to the family say...’, do yourself a favour and stop reading,” Heming Willis wrote on her Instagram Stories, reported Men’s Journal.

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“And to any outlet that runs with those kinds of stories, do better. Giving a platform to anonymous speculation is not only careless, it’s harmful. Onward.”

Willis’ family revealed in 2022 that he would quit acting after he was diagnosed with aphasia, a disorder that affects communication, including speech.

A year later, in 2023, loved ones announced the star had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

According to Dementia Australia, FTD is a degenerative condition that causes progressive damage “to either or both the frontal or temporal lobes of the brain”.

“If you’ve been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, you may experience changes in your behaviour, personality, language and movement,” Australia’s peak dementia body said.

“Your memory isn’t always affected, especially in the early stages. These changes get worse over time.

“There’s no known cure for frontotemporal dementia yet. But treatment can help with some symptoms, and support is available.”

In March, Willis’ daughter, Rumer, said her father was “doing great” as he prepared to celebrate birthday number 70.

“He’s doing great, thank you for asking,” she said during an Instagram Stories Q&A session.

“It is actually his 70th birthday tomorrow so please wish my papa a big happy birthday.”

Three months earlier, Willis’ ex-wife, Demi Moore, described him as being “in a very stable place”.

“Given the givens, he’s in a very stable place at the moment,” said the actress, who was married to Willis for 13 years.

“I’ve shared this before, but I really mean this so sincerely, it’s so important for anybody who’s dealing with this to really meet them where they’re at.

“I mean, obviously it’s very difficult, and it’s not what I would wish upon anyone and there is great loss.

“But there is also great beauty and gifts that can come out of it.”