“Little House on the Prairie” star Melissa Gilbert’s husband, Timothy Busfield, is facing legal troubles, but she remains supportive, including releasing a statement about how she would be focusing on their family during this time.
In her first statement since the news of Busfield’s case, Gilbert’s rep said: “During this period, her 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. We ask that their privacy be respected.” But who is this “very large family” the Hallmark star refers to? This is everything you need to know about Gilbert and Busfield’s blended family.
Melissa Gilbert’s 2 Sons
Gilbert is a mom to two sons. She shares her first child, Dakota Brinkman, with her first husband, director Bo Brinkman. Dakota was born in May 1989.
GettyGilbert became a mom for the second time when she and her second husband, actor Bruce Boxleitner, welcomed their son Michael Boxleitner in October 1995. Michael is named after Gilbert’s late co-star, Michael Landon. He was born prematurely, at just 28 weeks, and he spent time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). “He was only 3 lbs and had the courage of a lion,” Gilbert shared, People reports. “He’ll be 21 soon but he will always, always be my Peeker McSqueek.”
The actress chose to raise her children away from the public eye, protecting their privacy. She has made rare posts on Instagram, although she has since deleted the platform amid Busfield’s case. Gilbert is also a grandmother to her son Dakota’s daughter, Ripley, People reports, and she refers to herself as “Nana.”
Michael is an actor with credits including “FBI: Most Wanted.” He also made a statement in defense of his stepdad, whom he has known since he was a teenager. In court filings, he wrote, “Ever since we met, he has shown up for me as a father more in the 15 years l’ve known him than my own biological father ever has in the entirety of my life,” People reports. “He is kind, thoughtful, and carries himself with a stalwart integrity all of us could only ever hope to match.”
Timothy Busfield’s 3 Children
GettyBusfield was also married twice before his marriage to Gilbert, and during that time, he welcomed three children. His firstborn is his son, Wilson Busfield, whom he shares with his ex-wife, Radha Delamarter. The couple were married from 1981 to 1986. In 1988, Busfield married his second wife, Jennifer Merwin, and the couple has two children, a son, Samuel, and a daughter, Daisy, Us Weekly reports. They divorced in 2007.
Wilson has followed in his father’s footsteps into the entertainment industry, though his work has been mostly behind the scenes. Wilson has worked as a camera operator, cinematographer, writer, and director, Us Weekly reports. Much of his life is still unknown and has been kept private. Even less is known about his half-siblings, Samuel and Daisy.
Daisy works as a freelance photo stylist, with a career that includes collaborations with major brands, Us Weelly reports.
