Actress Melissa Gilbert appeared in court on January 20, 2026, to support her husband, actor Timothy Busfield as he faces allegations of sexual abuse. Gilbert, who appears on the Hallmark series “When Calls the Heart,” was photographed in a New Mexico courtroom for Busfield’s pretrial detention hearing.
As the hearing proceeded, The Mirror reported that Gilbert cried tears of joy to learn that Busfield would be released from jail while awaiting trial.
Melissa Gilbert Attended Hearing With Goal of Getting Husband Timothy Busfield Released From Jail
According to People, Busfield had a pretrial detention hearing at the courthouse in the New Mexico county of Bernalillo. Gilbert, 61, was surrounded by loved ones as she showed her support for her husband of 12 years.
Barbara Cowan, Gilbert’s mother, was in court in New Mexico to support her,. One of Gilbert’s sons, Michael Boxleitner, also attended. In addition, Buck Busfield, Timothy Busfield’s brother, attended.
Melissa Gilbert appears in court in New Mexico for a hearing for her husband, actor and director Timothy Busfield.
Gilbert’s appearance comes shortly after People shared new details about how the “When Calls the Heart” star is holding up. An insider told the media outlet that Gilbert’s “Focus is to try to get him out this week.”
The insider described the situation as a “nightmare for Melissa,” who is “very concerned about Tim in jail.”
“She wants him out so he’s safe,” the source for People added. The insider referenced prior complaints regarding the jail where Busfield was being held.
Gilbert & Busfield Received Good News in Court
Melissa Gilbert and loved ones smile after the court hearing for her husband Timothy Busfield.
The January 20 hearing was Busfield’s second. He previously appeared in court on January 14. During that hearing, he learned he would remain in custody until at least the January 20 hearing.
According to TMZ, the judge in New Mexico ruled that Busfield would no longer need to remain in jail while waiting for his trial.
Gilbert previously wrote a letter to the judge who is overseeing the hearings thus far. The letter, People indicated, was part of the response submitted by Busfield’s legal team opposing the ongoing pretrial detention requested by prosecutors.
Melissa Gilbert smiles in relief and joy after Timothy Busfield was released from jail.
In part, Gilbert wrote, “Tim Busfield is my love, my rock, my partner in business and life. He is my comfort and my council. His joy, humor and quick wit bring sparkle to my life.”
She also wrote, “I know Tim better and more intimately than anything in his life ever has…Tim has the strongest moral compass of any human I have ever known.”
“He starts every day with kindness and compassion,” Gilbert added.
According to Fox News, Gilbert was one of dozens who wrote letters to the judge on Busfield’s behalf. In total, the media outlet reported, Busfield’s legal team submitted 87 letters of support.
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PHOTOS: Melissa Gilbert Smiles in Court as New Details Emerge in Husband’s Case