Melissa Gilbert is stepping back into the spotlight while navigating what she described as one of the hardest periods of her life.
The former “Little House on the Prairie” star shared an emotional message with followers Monday, revealing she had taken time away from her professional duties to focus on her family before returning as chief creative officer of the Modern Prairie brand, according to Fox News.
Her decision comes as her husband, Timothy Busfield, faces serious criminal charges in New Mexico.
Earlier this month, a grand jury indicted the actor on four counts of criminal sexual contact of a child. He had previously been arrested in January and initially held without bail before being released with strict conditions.
Gilbert told supporters she had stepped back to be fully present at home.
“As many of you know, I stepped away for a little while to focus on my family,” she said. “It was time I needed, time to be present, to tend to what matters most, and to gather my strength in a season that has not been easy. Family is everything to me, and during this incredibly difficult time, I leaned into that truth fully.”
She also thanked the community surrounding her lifestyle brand, calling it a source of strength.
“To the women in this community who show up every single day, not just for me, but for one another – that is what Modern Prairie is,” she said. “Women supporting women – not just when it’s easy and especially when it’s hard.”
Gilbert emphasized that returning to work does not diminish her focus on her family’s situation. She said the role gives her purpose and helps her maintain perspective during difficult days.
Meanwhile, court proceedings continue for Busfield. Prosecutors allege two 11-year-old twins reported inappropriate touching on the set of “The Cleaning Lady,” where they were instructed to call him “Uncle Tim,” according to an arrest warrant.
District Attorney Sam Bregman’s office said protecting children remains a top priority, stating the office is committed to ensuring justice for victims.
Busfield’s attorney pushed back on the case, saying, “The indictment was not unexpected. As the saying goes, a grand jury will indict a ham sandwich.” He added that the prosecution is “fundamentally unsound” and vowed to challenge the charges in court.
Busfield is scheduled to be arraigned March 10.
