Melissa Gilbert, who will return for Hallmark’s 13th season of “When Calls The Heart” in January 2026, is proving once again that her blended family bond runs deep — with a special tribute for her stepson’s milestone birthday.
Melissa Gilbert Shares Heartfelt Tribute to Stepson
The “Little House on the Prairie” alum took to social media to share a special tribute for her stepson’s 40th birthday.
“This one! The second oldest of my four boys. This one is the tallest one. This one is magic,” Gilbert began in her heartfelt post, which she shared via Instagram on Sunday, November 16. “This one climbed right up into my heart when I met him over thirty years ago. This one is so talented. This one is so kind. This one is socially conscious.”
She continued, “This one shares his humanity. This one is FUNNY. This one is always learning and growing. This one is generous. This one is an amazing brother, loving uncle, caring partner, adoring son and incredibly supportive stepson.”
Gilbert’s caption was shared alongside a series of photos with her stepson, including one from the 2005 Screen Actors Guild Awards, in which she was accompanied on the red carpet by Lee.
“This one is protective. This one is brave. This one is creative. This one has integrity. This one is 40 today,” she added. “This one deserves to be showered with love and joy on this day and every day. This one is deeply loved and cherished by me…his stepmother. [Lee] ‘Never forget for a single minute, you didn’t grow under my heart , but in it.’ Happiest of all the happiest to you! I love you!!!!”
Melissa Gilbert Remains Close to Her Stepsons
Melissa married Lee’s father, Bruce Boxleitner, in 1995. She gave birth to their son, Michael Boxleitner, that same year.
Through her marriage to Boxleitner, Gilbert gained two stepsons: Lee and his brother, Sam.
Despite her divorce from Boxleitner in 2011, the Hallmark actress has remained close to his adult children.
“Thank you 🙏 this one feels all the love!” Lee commented on Gilbert’s birthday post.
In addition to Sam, Lee, and Michael, Gilbert is also stepmom to Wilson, Samuel, and Daisy Busfield, from her marriage to current husband Timothy Busfield, according to Closer Weekly. She also shares a biological son, Dakota Brinkman, with her first husband, Bo Brinkman.
“Wait … it’s International Son’s Day?!? Well, well, well, I happen to have four of those,” the beloved actress wrote alongside a photo with Dakota, Michael, Sam and Lee, to celebrate the 2020 holiday. “Everyone meet the four chambers of my heart. How blessed I am to have the four generous, kind, funny, talented souls in my life. I love you guys with every fiber of my being.”
