Last month, we reported that the former Little House on the Prairie star Melissa Gilbert’s husband Timothy Busfield had been arrested after being accused of sexually abusing two 11 year-old twin boys.
We then reported that Gilbert was standing by her husband in the wake of these allegations. Busfield has since been indicted on four counts of sexual contact with a child by a grand jury.
On Monday, Gilbert took to Instagram to announce that she will be returning to work for the first time since Busfield’s arrest. Indeed, Gilbert will be returning to her role as Chief Creative Officer at her lifestyle brand Modern Prairie.
Gilbert Returns To Work
“Hi everyone. I wanted to take a moment to speak to you directly,” Gilbert, 61, said in a video as she looked directly at the camera. “As many of you know, I stepped away for a little while to focus on my family. 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 continued. “But something else carried me too – You did. This extraordinary community at Modern Prairie, you wrapped me in love, even when I was quiet, I felt your prayers. I felt your encouragement, I felt your steady presence.”
“From our artisans, the talented hands and hearts who continue to create such beautiful, meaningful pieces, to our trusted Prairian team who lead our circles, our events, our conversations with such care and integrity, to the women in this community who show up every single day not just for me but for one another,” Gilbert added.
Gilbert Doubles Down
Not stopping there, Gilbert proceeded to double down.
“That is what Modern Prairie is: Women supporting women, not just when it’s easy, and especially when it’s hard,” Gilbert stated. “Coming back to work does not change my commitment or my resolve to the journey that lies ahead for my family. That remains steadfast, that remains my heart. But it is important for me to step back into this work. It strengthens my mindset, it gives me purpose, it reminds me of who I am beyond hard days.”
“This time away reminded me why we built this space in the first place. It’s more than products, it’s more than events, it’s more than a brand — it’s a lifeline, it’s a connection, it’s strength shared across kitchens and living rooms and hospital rooms and long phone calls,” she concluded. “It’s dignity, it’s compassion, it’s resolve. And I am so proud to walk forward with you, so let’s get back at it together.”
Modern Prairie stood by Gilbert in the caption of the video.
“As Melissa steps back into her role as Chief Creative Officer, our purpose remains unchanged: building a lifestyle platform rooted in connection, creativity, dignity, and strength,” the caption read.
“Modern Prairie has always been about more than one person,” it added. “It’s about community, it’s about shared stories. It’s about women supporting women through every season of life. Our work remains the same: to create meaningful products, thoughtful gatherings, and spaces where women feel seen, supported, and inspired. This is what we do. We remain grounded in our mission – together. #modernprairie #melissagilbert #backtowork #womensupportingwomen #monday.”
Busfield Arrested
Earlier this month, Busfield was indicted by a grand jury on four counts of criminal sexual contact with a child. According to court documents obtained by People Magazine, all four charges are third-degree felonies.
It’s been alleged that Busfield engaged in unlawful sexual conduct with 11-year-old twin boys on the set of his series The Cleaning Lady, which he directed. Gilbert, who has been married to Busfield since 2013, has supported him despite the seriousness of these allegations.
“Melissa stands with and supports her husband,” her rep told People after Busfield’s arrest.
As for Busfield himself, he’s maintained his innocence from the start.
“I did not do anything,” he said last month in a video obtained by TMZ. “They’re all lies and I did not do anything to those little boys and I’m gonna fight it. I’m gonna fight it with a great team. And I’m gonna be exonerated, I know I am, because this is all so wrong and all lies.”
Busfield is an Emmy-winning actor who is known for appearing on shows like The West Wing and in movies like Field of Dreams. He is currently out on bond after spending a week in jail. Only time will tell how this turns out for both Busfield and Gilbert.