Melissa Gilbert Shares Solace and Gratitude as Timothy Busfield Faces Criminal Charges

Melissa Gilbert has addressed the criminal case against her husband, actor Timothy Busfield, in New Mexico, expressing gratitude to supporters while describing the strain the situation has placed on her family.

Gilbert, 61, shared a message Monday on the Instagram account for her lifestyle brand, Modern Prairie. In the post, the former “Little House on the Prairie” star described navigating a difficult period without directly addressing the charges against Busfield.

“I’m sending you all my love and gratitude during this extraordinarily difficult time,” Gilbert wrote. “Not only for Tim, me and our family, but in the collective heaviness so many of us seem to be carrying right now.”

She added that adding an unexpected storm to the situation makes it feel even more overwhelming.

Gilbert noted that recent weeks have highlighted the importance of stepping back and focusing on what matters most: “This season has reminded me, very clearly, how important it is to slow down, prioritize what truly matters, and allow ourselves moments of rest.” She emphasized the value of disengaging from daily pressures: “Stepping back from the news, the noise, and even our daily responsibilities gives us space to recharge, reflect, and find our center again.”

Closing her message, Gilbert thanked supporters in her Modern Prairie community. “Thank you, truly, for the love, patience, and support you continue to show Tim and me,” she wrote. “Thank you for helping me feel safer, more grounded, and deeply held by this extraordinary community of women.”

Busfield, known for his role on “Thirtysomething,” was taken into custody on January 13 and faces two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse in New Mexico state court. Gilbert attended Busfield’s pretrial hearing on January 20, where the judge granted him release on his own recognizance. Multiple family members submitted letters of support to the court ahead of the hearing, including Gilbert, her children, and her mother Barbara Gilbert Cowan, as well as Busfield’s siblings and son.

In a letter to the court, Gilbert described Busfield as “my love, my rock, my partner in business and life.” She wrote that he is “my comfort and my council,” adding that his “joy, humor and quick wit bring sparkle to my life.” Gilbert and Busfield have been married for more than 10 years. Court proceedings are ongoing with no trial date set.