Melissa Gilbert is speaking out about allegations of sexual abuse by Timothy Busfield

Melissa Gilbert shared a statement Monday through her lifestyle company Modern Prairie about what she described as an “extremely difficult time” amid her husband Timothy Busfield’s child abuse allegations.

“Sending you all my love and gratitude during this extremely difficult time. Not only for Tim, me and our family, but also in the collective heaviness that so many of us seem to be carrying right now. Add to that an unexpected storm and it can all feel a little too much,” the “Little House on the Prairie” actor wrote on Instagram.

“This season has reminded me very clearly how important it is to slow down, prioritize what really matters, and give ourselves moments of peace,” she continued. “Taking a step back from the noise, the news, and even our daily responsibilities every now and then gives us the space to recharge, reflect, and find our center again.

“Thank you so much for the love, patience and support you continue to show Tim and me. Thank you for helping me feel safer, more grounded and deeply rooted through this extraordinary community of women here at Modern Prairie. I will return to things thoughtfully and with care – moving forward one step at a time. There is more to come, and always with so much gratitude.”

Busfield – the actor known for ‘Thirtysomething’, ‘The West Wing’ and ‘Field of Dreams’ – has been charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor and one count of child abuse. He is accused of groping a 7-year-old boy’s “private areas” while directing episodes of “The Cleaning Lady.” (The boy and his twin brother were actors on the Fox series.) Busfield was released from jail in Albuquerque, NM, on January 20 and is awaiting trial on these charges.

At the time of Busfield’s arrest, Gilbert released a statement through her publicist saying: “Melissa Gilbert is not making any public statements at this time. Any so-called ‘statements’ circulating online – including AI-generated deepfakes of her ‘breaking her silence’ – should not be treated as coming from her. She respects the request of Tim’s lawyers not to speak publicly while the legal proceedings play out. During this time, her focus is on supporting and caring for their very large family as they navigate at this time. Melissa is standing by and supporting her husband and will address the public at an appropriate time. We ask that their privacy be respected.