You might remember Melissa Gilbert as the feisty Laura Ingalls from the beloved series Little House on the Prairie, but today, she’s embracing life in a whole new way. At 57, Melissa is more than just a grandmother—she’s a woman who’s come into her own. “I’m a grandma multiple times over, and I couldn’t be happier,” she says with a warm smile. As she reflects on her journey, Melissa shares that she’s never felt more at ease with herself. “Yeah, I’ve got gray hair now, and my ankles get stiff in the morning, but guess what? I’m still here, and I’m still me. And that’s pretty amazing,” she adds, her voice filled with genuine enthusiasm.
A New Frontier: Life in Upstate New York
Melissa’s vibrant spirit is fueled by her marriage to actor-director Tim Busfield and their exciting adventure in rural upstate New York. “We bought this old hunting cabin that needed some love, and I just went wild with it,” she recalls with a laugh. “I was like, ‘Let’s get chickens, cows, maybe even a horse!’” Melissa has poured her heart into this new chapter, chronicling their journey in her latest book, Back to the Prairie: A Home Remade, A Life Rediscovered. It’s a story of transformation, resilience, and finding joy in the simple things.
Overcoming Challenges and Finding Joy
While Melissa treasures her time on Little House, she’s candid about the struggles that followed. Fame brought its own set of challenges, including battles with alcoholism, drug abuse, and two divorces. “There were definitely some things I’m not proud of,” she admits. But today, Melissa is in a much better place. Her eight-year marriage to Tim, her two grown children, and her grandchildren bring her immense joy. “I’m learning to be kinder to myself,” she reflects. “It’s about giving myself permission to just be. After years of pushing so hard, finding stillness is a gift I never expected.”
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A Life of Fulfillment
Slowing down has been transformative for Melissa. “We became DIY farmers,” she explains, her voice brimming with excitement. “It’s been physically and emotionally rewarding.” At the heart of this journey is her partnership with Tim. “We met randomly at a bar, and it was love at first sight,” she says with a laugh. “Tim is my safe place. He challenges me, lifts me up, and makes me laugh every single day.”
Even with her experience on Little House, Melissa admits there was still a lot to learn. “I thought I knew everything about living on the prairie, but I had to figure out how to build a fire and keep it going, especially during those cold winter nights when we first moved in,” she recalls. The pandemic also inspired Melissa and Tim to focus on self-sufficiency. “When a lot of people were rewatching Little House for comfort, we were living it. We built a chicken coop and started a garden. It was incredible to see things grow!”
Now, their cabin is cozy and welcoming, complete with heat, plumbing, and an RV for family visits. Melissa feels deeply connected to her surroundings and remains grateful for her early days on the TV prairie. “Laura taught me courage, and that’s something I carry with me every day,” she says. “My time on Little House shaped the life I have today, and I’m so grateful for it.”
—Lisa Chambers, with reporting by Fortune Benatar
For more on this story, pick up the latest issue of Closer magazine, available now at newsstands.
