“When Calls the Heart” guest star Melissa Gilbert has addressed her fans for the first time since the recent legal troubles for her husband, Timothy Busfield, began. Fans of Gilbert’s from Hallmark, “Little House on the Prairie,” and other projects she has done over the course of her career are sending their love.
“You are weathering a storm most of us cannot imagine with grace, strength, and gratitude. Many prayers have been said on behalf of you, Tim, and your entire family. Much love and respect,” one fan wrote in response to Gilbert’s statement.
Melissa Gilbert’s Fans Have Her Back
On January 26, the Instagram page for the company co-founded by Gilbert, Modern Prairie, posted a statement. The lengthy statement was written by Gilbert, signaling the first time she has directly commented on the issues she and her family have been navigating.
Gilbert’s statement was to her fans, and they responded in kind. “Thank you, truly, 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,” she wrote, in part.
In just the first few hours after the post went live on Instagram, over 1,000 comments and 10,500 “likes” poured in as fans stepped up to embrace Gilbert during this difficult time.
One fan wrote, “Please take care of yourself and know we all love you.”
Another shared, “Most of us grew up with you, Melissa. We support you 100%. You will get through this difficult time.”
“God bless you, God bless and keep us all. Your honesty, humility, and kindness are beautiful,” someone else commented.
An additional response read, “Continued strength to you and your family! You always put smiles on others…this too shall pass!”
People Have Missed Seeing Gilbert on Social Media
Gilbert noted that she would be slowly and purposefully easing back into public life. She deactivated her personal Instagram page, and for now, it remains unavailable.
Shortly after Gilbert’s message was posted, the Modern Prairie page shared it via an Instagram Story as well. Text accompanying it read, “Sending You Positive Monday Thoughts.”
Nearly all of the comments visible on the Modern Prairie post during the first few hours were supportive and positive. Notes referencing faith and prayers were plentiful as fans shared their thoughts.
One Modern Prairie follower noted, “So happy to see you return, I have missed your cooking. Take care of yourself first. We all love you out here and have since you were a child.”
Another Modern Prairie community member explained that they often watch Gilbert’s posts with baking and cooking tips as a method of self-care.
“Half pint just became a whole gallon,” commented a fan who referenced Gilbert’s nickname, “Half Pint,” from “Little House on the Prairie.
