Melissa Gilbert speaks out after husband’s child sex abuse charges

Melissa Gilbert is speaking for the first time after her husband, Timothy Busfield, was formally charged with child sex abuse crimes.

On the account for her company, Modern Prairie, Gilbert posted a lengthy note alongside a photo of her sitting on a couch with a cup of coffee, looking off camera.

"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,” she wrote.

“This season has reminded me, very clearly, how important it is to slow down, prioritize what truly matters, and allow ourselves moments of rest,” the “Little House on the Prairie” star continued. “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."

She thanked fans for the “love, patience, and support you continue to show Tim and me. Thank you for helping me to feel safer, more grounded, and deeply held by this extraordinary community of women here at Modern Prairie.”

“I’ll be easing back into things thoughtfully and with care - moving forward one step at a time. More to come, and so much gratitude always,” she concluded.

Gilbert deactivated her personal social media account two weeks ago when the news first broke of the allegations against Busfield.

Busfield surrendered himself to authorities on Jan. 13 and was charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor and one count of child abuse. He was released from custody in New Mexico on Jan. 20 and is awaiting trial on the charges.

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