“When Calls the Heart” guest star Melissa Gilbert cried tears of joy earlier this week, and fans have been flooding her with love.
The Hallmark star is typically a frequent poster on her social media pages. However, that has changed in recent weeks. Amid the legal issues her husband, Timothy Busfield, is navigating, Gilbert has stepped back from Instagram.
The company she co-founded, Modern Prairie, took to Instagram on January 22 to thank fans for their support and patience during Gilbert’s absence.
Modern Prairie Is Supporting Melissa Gilbert Behind the Scenes
The photo shared by Modern Prairie on Instagram showed Gilbert with her company co-founder, Nicole Haase. It wasn’t clear how long ago the photo was taken, but it showed both women smiling as they worked together on something. Haase wrote the lengthy caption on the post.
“We want to thank everyone who has reached out with notes of care, kindness and support,” the post caption began. Haase continued, “We’ve felt them, and Melissa has too.”
The company acknowledged that followers of the page are accustomed to seeing Gilbert pop up regularly in posts. “We understand why her absence has prompted concern,” Haase noted.
However, she continued, “At this moment, we’re choosing to honor Melissa’s need for privacy.”
“Supporting someone doesn’t always mean showing up loudly-it often means holding space with respect and compassion,” Haase pointed out.
Fans Continue to Support Gilbert As Her Husband’s Legal Issues Proceed
Haase also noted, “What we can share, and want to be very clear about, is this: Melissa is, and will continue to be, an essential part of Modern Prairie as our Chief Creative Officer.”
The Modern Prairie co-founder also lauded Gilbert’s “creative voice and heart,” which she wrote are central components to the company.
She further thanked Modern Prairie supporters for their grace, empathy, and patience. Supporters stepped up, much as they have on previous posts, to show their continued love and understanding for Gilbert.
“Please tell Melissa and Tim, we are behind them 100%. Sending love and prayers,” one fan wrote.
Another added, “Beautifully said, Nicole. Supporting each other—individually and as a community—is what it’s all about. Continued prayers for Melissa and her family.”
“Sending love & support to Melissa & to our Modern Prairie family. Nicole the way you’re navigating this with such authenticity & warmth is inspiring for other business owners. You & Melissa are so valued,” someone else added.
The last Instagram post on the Modern Prairie Instagram page that prominently featured Gilbert was shared just as news emerged that, as TMZ reported on January 9, Busfield was facing legal issues in New Mexico.
Throughout the ordeal, Gilbert’s fans have flooded the posts on the page with notes of support.
