Melissa Gilbert's Love Story With Timothy Busfield: A Hollywood Fairytale

Let me tell you a story about Melissa Gilbert and her husband, Timothy Busfield. Now, Tim isn’t just any old guy; he’s a Hollywood heavyweight, a film director, an Emmy Award winner, and a proud dad of three. But most importantly, he’s Melissa’s soulmate. This isn’t just another celebrity pairing—this is a love story for the ages.

Love at First Sight (or Second)

You might know Melissa from her iconic role as Laura Ingalls on Little House on the Prairie, but off-screen, she’s as down-to-earth as they come. In the early 2010s, Melissa and Tim’s paths crossed in the most unexpected way. They had bumped into each other on set over the years, but their romance didn’t spark until one fateful night at a bar. Who would’ve thought?

Tim recounted the moment to MLive in 2014: “I was just heading out for a slice of pizza and a beer, planning to watch some sports on TV. I knew the perfect spot that would be empty. So I walked in, and there she was, sitting in my usual spot at the bar. I froze for a second, stepped back outside, and debated whether to walk away. But something told me not to miss this chance.”

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From Bar Stools to Brunch Dates

Tim admitted he wasn’t exactly in the dating mindset at the time, but Melissa’s smile changed everything. “I sat down, ordered a drink, and then I saw her smile. That was it—I was gone,” he recalled. And gone he was, because the next morning, Tim asked Melissa out for brunch. Brunch! Can you believe it? From that moment on, they’ve been inseparable.

Melissa couldn’t hide her joy when she talked about their relationship on social media. “I have never been more content, more cherished, or happier,” she gushed. “Even the tough days are filled with a joy I never imagined. Love you, my sweet husband.”

A Wedding to Remember

In April 2013, Melissa and Tim tied the knot in a romantic ceremony in Santa Barbara. Picture this: two people who found each other in the most unexpected way, surrounded by loved ones, celebrating a love that feels like fate. Since then, their marriage has been nothing short of blissful.

On their wedding anniversary in April 2020, Melissa shared her gratitude on Instagram. “I am so blessed to share this life with a real and true partner,” she wrote. “The depth of understanding, compassion, and kindness in this man amazes me every single day. And oh, how we laugh! I am incredibly lucky to have him by my side.”

A Life Before Tim

Before Melissa met Tim, she had two previous marriages. Her first was to Bo Brinkman in 1988, with whom she welcomed her son Dakota Brinkman in 1989. They parted ways in 1994. Then, in 1995, Melissa married Bruce Boxleitner, and they had another son, Michael Boxleitner. That marriage lasted 16 years before they called it quits in 2011.

But let’s be honest, Melissa’s story isn’t just about her past relationships—it’s about finding someone who truly gets her. And that’s Tim. He’s her partner in crime, her confidant, and her biggest supporter.

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From City Life to Country Living

In 2018, Melissa and Tim decided to make a bold move. They left the hustle and bustle of city life behind and purchased a small cottage in upstate New York. This wasn’t just a change of scenery—it was a whole new chapter. Melissa embraced her inner Laura Ingalls and dove headfirst into the world of DIY farming.

“We bought this ramshackle hunting cabin, and I started dreaming big,” Melissa said. “Let’s have chickens, cows, and maybe even a horse!” She chronicled their journey in her 2022 book, Back to the Prairie: A Home Remade, A Life Rediscovered. Through it all, Melissa discovered she had a green thumb and learned how to tend to farm animals and build fires. Every step of the way, Tim was right beside her.

Melissa credits their “extraordinary partnership” for allowing her to explore a side of herself she never knew existed. It’s not just about the farm—it’s about the love and support they give each other every day.

Scroll through the gallery below to learn more about Tim and his incredible journey alongside Melissa.