“Let’s get back at it together,” Gilbert told her followers in a video posted to her brand’s Instagram page on Monday.

Melissa Gilbert returns to her job amid husband Timothy Busfield’s child sex abuse charges

"Let's get back at it together," Gilbert told her followers in a video posted to her brand's Instagram page on Monday.

By Mekishana Pierre

Mekishana Pierre

Mekishana Pierre is a news writer at **. She has been working at EW since 2025. Her work has previously appeared on *Entertainment Tonight* and Popsugar.

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February 17, 2026 12:46 p.m. ET

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Melissa Gilbert on June 19, 2023 in Monte Carlo, Monaco. Credit:

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty

Melissa Gilbert is getting back to business, but she's making it clear that supporting her husband Timothy Busfield through his ongoing legal battle is still her top priority.

On Monday, the co-founder and "brand muse" of the lifestyle brand Modern Prairie shared a video to the company's Instagram page to announce that she was making her return after stepping away due to her husband's January arrest based on allegations of engaging in unlawful sexual conduct with two young boys, which he has denied.

Gilbert, 61, began the video by addressing fans directly, explaining that she "wanted to take a moment to speak to you directly."

"As many of you know, I stepped away for a little while to focus on my family," the *Little House on the Prairie* star 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."

Gilbert, who married Busfield in 2013 and has been steady in her support of him since the allegations went public, continued: "Family is everything to me, and during this incredibly difficult time, I leaned into that truth fully. But something else carried me too: You did. This extraordinary community at Modern Prairie, you wrapped me in love."

Melissa Gilbert (L) and Timothy Busfield at the 62nd Monte-Carlo Television Festival in the principality of Monaco on June 20, 2023.

VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty

"Even when I was quiet, I felt your prayers, I felt your encouragement, I felt your steady presence," Gilbert said, as she went on to thank the Modern Prairie artisans and team, as well as "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: Women supporting women, not just when it's easy, and especially when it's hard," she said. "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."

Gilbert finished her video message by claiming that her "time away" reminded her of "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 said. "It's dignity, it's compassion, it's resolve. I am so proud to walk forward with you, so let's get back at it together."

The post's caption explained that Gilbert was returning to the company in her role as "Chief Creative Officer," and declared that the company's "purpose remains" focused on "building a lifestyle platform rooted in connection, creativity, dignity, and strength."

"Modern Prairie has always been about more than one person," the caption 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."

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Last month, Busfield surrendered to New Mexico authorities after a warrant was issued for his arrest on Jan. 10 for allegations stemming back to 2022. The *Thirtysomething *and *West Wing *actor is accused of engaging in unlawful sexual conduct with 11-year-old twin boys, whom he directed on the Fox series *The Cleaning Lady*, per the arrest warrant, though his main role on the series was as an executive producer.

Busfield vehemently denied the allegations in a video shared online before he surrendered to authorities on Jan. 13.

Timothy Busfield before a hearing in the Second District Judicial Court at the Bernalillo County Courthouse on Jan. 20, 2026 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Sam Wasson/Getty

Earlier this month, a grand jury indicted Busfield on four counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor in a state court in Albuquerque. All counts are third-degree felonies.

Gilbert has been vocal about her support for her husband in previous statements; on Jan. 13, the actress shared her first statement in support of her husband, with a representative telling * *that Gilbert's "focus is on supporting and caring for their very large family, as they navigate this moment. Melissa stands with and supports her husband and will address the public at an appropriate time."

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Then on Jan. 17, EW obtained a filing from Busfield's attorneys containing 75 letters of support of the *Thirtysomething *alum from the likes of Gilbert and several of his costars on that series, like Peter Horton and Ken Olin.

"This is the strangest letter I've ever had to write," Gilbert noted in her letter, adding that Busfield "has the strongest moral compass of any human I have ever known" and has "dedicated his spiritual self to always being of service to others."**

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