OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.
Demi Moore recently opened up about one of the most significant parenting decisions she made alongside her ex-husband, Bruce Willis. In a candid conversation on the WTF With Marc Maron podcast on February 6, Moore shared a surprising choice that she believes had a profound impact on their family.
Moore, best known for her iconic roles in films like G.I. Jane and The Substance, reflected on the decision she and Willis made to raise their three daughters—Rumer, 36, Scout, 33, and Tallulah, 31—away from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. Despite the city being a magnet for Hollywood’s elite, the couple chose to make Idaho their primary residence.
“I think I made probably—well, I want to say we made because we did make the decision, Bruce and I, together. Probably the smartest thing we ever did was decide to make our primary residence in Idaho, out of L.A., and that’s where we essentially raised them,” Moore shared on the podcast.
The decision to move was largely influenced by Bruce’s love for skiing, though Moore admitted that she didn’t know much about Idaho at the time. Her first visit came when her eldest daughter, Rumer, was just 12 days old, and the family viewed the trip as more of a getaway to the mountains. However, as their family grew and Rumer started kindergarten, Moore found herself reconsidering their living situation.
“I just thought, What are we doing when we could be in this small town in a very different experience for them away from this big world that they’re going to already get so much of?” Moore explained. She found Los Angeles to be overwhelming, especially as a young mother. The idea of giving her children a quieter, more grounded childhood was compelling.
Moore went on to describe how she grew up in a place where you attended the school closest to your home, which made Idaho’s small-town charm particularly appealing. She realized that her children would likely experience the fast-paced, high-pressure world of fame as they grew older, so raising them in an environment far from that offered a refreshing contrast.
As for Bruce, while he was drawn to Idaho’s outdoor lifestyle, Moore also acknowledged the importance of providing their children with a balanced upbringing away from the distractions of Hollywood. The decision paid off, as it allowed their daughters to experience life in a peaceful, more private setting, away from the spotlight.
During the podcast, Marc Maron also touched on the ongoing challenges both he and Moore’s family have faced due to their fathers’ dementia diagnoses. Maron shared that he had recently met with Scout Willis, who had reached out after hearing Maron speak about his own father’s battle with dementia. The connection between them was poignant, with both sharing stories about the toll dementia has taken on their families.
In a tender moment, Moore expressed her gratitude for her children, who she described as “really good people.” It was a rare, heartwarming admission that reflects the deep love she has for Rumer, Scout, and Tallulah, and the pride she takes in the way they’ve turned out. “They are really good,” she added, a sentiment many fans and followers of the Willis-Moore family can certainly agree with.
The podcast also provided an update on Bruce Willis’ health. In February 2023, the Willis family confirmed that Bruce had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a condition that affects communication and is often accompanied by significant cognitive decline. This came after a 2022 announcement that he had been experiencing aphasia, a disorder impacting speech and language comprehension. While the news was deeply painful, it also brought some clarity to his condition.
As fans continue to support Bruce through his battle with dementia, Demi Moore’s reflections offer a glimpse into the care and thoughtfulness that shaped the family’s parenting journey. The decision to raise their daughters in Idaho, away from the pressures of L.A., was not just about geography—it was about creating a safe space for their children to grow up grounded in love, nature, and authenticity.
For Demi Moore, the “smartest” move was one that gave her daughters a sense of stability, and it’s clear that it continues to be a defining part of their lives. As Moore continues to shine in her career, including being a Best Actress nominee this year, her bond with her daughters remains one of her proudest accomplishments.