Melissa Gilbert Says Her ‘Greatest Joy in Life’ Has Been Watching Husband Timothy Busfield Be a Stepdad to Her Son Michael

Melissa Gilbert is speaking out in support of her husband, Timothy Busfield, as he faces allegations involving child sexual abuse. In a court filing dated Saturday, Jan. 17, the actress, 61, submitted a character letter describing Busfield’s role in her family after he was charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse.

“One of the great joys of my life has been watching Tim interact with my youngest son, Michael,” Gilbert wrote, referring to Michael Boxleitner, 30, whom she shares with ex-husband Bruce Boxleitner.

Gilbert said Michael was a “full blown, angst-ridden teenager trying to figure out his place in the world” when she and Busfield began their relationship in 2012. She wrote that Busfield helped guide her son through those years.

“Tim nurtured and guided Michael,” Gilbert continued. “He admonished, praised, loved, consoled, cajoled, fretted, cared for, and fed my son both physically and spiritually.”

Gilbert, who is also the mother of son Dakota Brinkman from her first marriage to Bo Brinkman, told the judge she would “never be able to express the depth of gratitude” she feels for Busfield. In her letter, she called him the “beating heart of our wild and wonderful extended family.”

She also described Busfield as her “rock” and “partner in business and life,” adding that his “joy, humor and quick wit bring sparkle” to her life. Gilbert wrote that she has known him “better and more intimately than anything in his life ever has.”

Boxleitner also submitted a character letter included in the court filing. In it, he wrote that Busfield has “shown up for me as a father” more than his own “biological” father.

“He is kind, thoughtful, and carries himself with a stalwart integrity all of us could only ever hope to match,” Boxleitner wrote, also calling his stepfather his “hero.”

Busfield was charged in New Mexico on Tuesday, Jan. 13, after surrendering to Albuquerque police.

The allegations are tied to incidents that prosecutors say occurred while Busfield was working as a director on The Cleaning Lady. He has denied the allegations. In a video obtained by TMZ, Busfield said he plans to “confront these lies” and “fight.”

Busfield’s civil attorney, Larry Stein, has also denied the claims, saying in a Jan. 13 statement that Busfield was “absolutely shocked” by what he described as a “false” allegation.

“He’s devastated and will defend himself, because these are absolutely false allegations,” Stein said.

Busfield remains in custody without bond. A pretrial detention hearing is scheduled for Jan. 20. Gilbert is listed as a potential witness.