Melissa Gilbert is receiving more support from her longtime friends amid the ongoing criminal case against her husband.
While Gilbert’s husband Timothy Busfield faces child sex abuse charges, her friend and fellow actress Mary McDonough took to Instagram to issue a message of support for the Little House on the Prairie alum, 61.
McDonough, who is known for her role as Erin Walton on ’70s TV series The Waltons, shared photos alongside Gilbert to Instagram on Sunday, Jan. 18, while sending the actress some “love” in this difficult time.
McDonough, 64, didn’t directly mention the recent allegations against Gilbert’s husband, and instead simply wrote in her caption, “Right now, I am sending my dear childhood friend love… Love… LOVE. Then more LOVE.”
McDonough isn’t the only friend of Gilbert’s to issue a public show of support, as fellow former child star Glenn Scarpelli also penned a similar message to Gilbert last week.
Scarpelli, who starred as a teenager on the ’80s sitcomOne Day at a Time, shared an Instagram post on Thursday, Jan. 16 to say, “Loving my Ol’ Friend Melissa Gilbert right now. No commentary , just love… That is all… ❤️”
Gilbert, who has deactivated her Instagram page in light of the charges against her husband, has stayed quiet about the charges against her husband, safe for a statement released through her publicist.
The statement read, “Melissa Gilbert is not making public statements at this time…She is honoring the request of Tim’s lawyers not to speak publicly while the legal process unfolds.”
“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.”
Related: Melissa Gilbert’s Lifestyle Brand Issues Statement on Timothy Busfield Allegations
This story was originally published by Parade on Jan 19, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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