Actress Melissa Gilbert spoke publicly for the first time after her husband, Timothy Busfield, was charged with child sex abuse.
The 61-year-old former child star is best known for playing Laura Ingalls Wilder on the popular NBC series “Little House on the Prairie” from 1974 to 1983. She’s been married to Busfield since 2013.
Gilbert’s statement was posted on Instagram through her company, Modern Prairie, alongside a photo of her holding a cup of tea and looking into the distance.
“I’m sending you all my love and gratitude during this extraordinarily difficult time. Not only for Tim, me and our family, but in the collective heaviness so many of us seem to be carrying right now. Add an unexpected storm to the mix, and it can all feel like a bit too much,” it said.
“This season has reminded me, very clearly, how important it is to slow down, prioritize what truly matters, and allow ourselves moments of rest. Stepping back from the noise, the news, and even our daily responsibilities from time to time gives us space to recharge, reflect, and find our center again.”
The actress went on to thank fans for their support and for helping her “feel safer, more grounded, and deeply held.”
“I’ll be easing back into things thoughtfully and with care – moving forward one step at a time,” she concluded. “More to come, and so much gratitude always.”
Busfield stands accused of sexually assaulting twin boys beginning when they were 7 years old. The actor worked with the child actors, born in 2014, on the set of “The Cleaning Lady,” which aired on Fox from 2022 to 2025. Busfield directed some episodes and was named an executive producer.
An investigation began in November 2024 when a University of New Mexico Hospital doctor reported his suspicions of sexual abuse and grooming to authorities. Investigators initially didn’t press charges, but the case was reopened in September 2025 when one of the boys reported the alleged abuse to his doctor.
The actor faced two previous sexual assault allegations in 1994 and 2012, but was never charged. Busfield recorded a video of himself professing his innocence just before turning himself in to the police earlier this month.
