Melissa Gilbert breaks social media silence after Timothy Busfield's jail release

Melissa Gilbert is breaking her social media silence as her husband Timothy Busfield's criminal case makes its way through a New Mexico court.

The 61-year-old "Little House on the Prairie" star thanked her supporters and opened up about caring for herself during an "extraordinarily difficult time" that is both personal and collective, in a Monday, Jan. 26, post shared on her Modern Prairie brand's social media accounts.

"I'm sending you all my love and gratitude during this extraordinarily difficult time. Not only for Tim, me and our family, but in the collective heaviness so many of us seem to be carrying right now," Gilbert's statement read. "Add an unexpected storm to the mix, and it can all feel like a bit too much."

She continued: "This season has reminded me, very clearly, how important it is to slow down, prioritize what truly matters, and allow ourselves moments of rest. Stepping back from the noise, the news, and even our daily responsibilities from time to time gives us space to recharge, reflect, and find our center again."

Gilbert ended on a note of gratitude, writing, "Thank you, truly, for the love, patience, and support you continue to show Tim and me. Thank you for helping me to feel safer, more grounded, and deeply held by this extraordinary community of women here at Modern Prairie."

She promised fans would be hearing more from her in the near future as she said, "I’ll be easing back into things thoughtfully and with care - moving forward one step at a time. More to come, and so much gratitude always."

Earlier in the month, Gilbert appeared to delete her personal Instagram account.

Since Busfield – who is charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse – was taken into custody on Jan. 13, Gilbert has stood by the Emmy-winning "Thirtysomething" actor.

Gilbert was seated in the courtroom during Busfield's Jan. 20 pretrial detention hearing and was visibly relieved when the judge ruled that the jailed actor should be released on his own recognizance. Gilbert, her children and mother Barbara Gilbert Cowan were among the relatives who submitted letters of support, which were filed in court, alongside Busfield's siblings and his son, Samuel Busfield.

Gilbert, who's been married to Busfield for more than a decade, wrote in her letter to the judge that 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. Tim is, quite simply, the beating heart of our wild and wonderful extended family."