Hey there, friends. Let’s talk about Melissa Gilbert, a woman who’s not just an iconic actress but also a proud mom and stepmom to an incredible blended family. Melissa, known for her role in Little House on the Prairie, loves sharing moments when her whole family gets together. So, let’s take a closer look at her family life and how she balances being a mom, stepmom, and grandmother all at once.
A Journey Through Melissa’s Family Life
Melissa’s story begins with her first marriage to Bo Brinkman, where they welcomed their son Dakota Brinkman in 1989. The couple tied the knot in 1988, but after six years of marriage, they decided to part ways in 1994. Now, despite the split, Melissa has always maintained a loving relationship with Dakota, proving that family bonds can withstand the test of time. Dakota remains a cherished part of her life, and Melissa often shares heartwarming photos of them together.
Her Second Marriage and the Expansion of the Family
Moving forward, Melissa found love again with Bruce Boxleitner, and they welcomed their son Michael Boxleitner in 1995. This was the same year they got married, marking the start of a beautiful chapter in Melissa’s life. Through Bruce, Melissa also gained two stepsons, Sam and Lee Boxleitner, whom Bruce shares with his first wife, Kathryn Holcomb. Even after Melissa and Bruce’s marriage ended in 2011, she has maintained a strong bond with her stepsons, proving that family ties extend beyond biological connections.
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Blending Families with Timothy Busfield
Fast forward to 2013, Melissa married Timothy Busfield, and her family grew even more. Timothy brought his own children into the mix—Wilson Busfield from his relationship with Radha Delamarter, and Samuel and Daisy Busfield from his marriage to Jenny Merwin. Melissa embraced her role as a stepmom once again, creating a harmonious blend of her own kids and her stepchildren. For Melissa, all these children are her true family, and she cherishes every moment with them.
In September 2020, Melissa celebrated International Son’s Day by sharing a heartfelt tribute to her four boys—Dakota, Michael, Sam, and Lee. She described them as the "four chambers of her heart," expressing her immense love and gratitude for having them in her life. Her words painted a vivid picture of the deep connection she shares with her sons, emphasizing the importance of family in her life.
The Impact of Motherhood on Melissa
Parenting isn’t always easy, but Melissa wouldn’t trade it for anything. In 1993, just four years after becoming a mom for the first time, Melissa opened up about how motherhood transformed her. Speaking to the Los Angeles Times, she said, “I am no longer an ingenue. Every day I get a little wiser. That is the only thing I am interested in—a little smarter in the choices I make and the decisions I make regarding my life and my own destiny.”
Her time on Little House on the Prairie prepared her for the challenges of blending families. When Melissa and Timothy decided to move to a cabin in rural upstate New York, her experience came in handy. The Dancing With the Stars alum learned to farm, care for animals, and relished the time spent with her kids and grandkids on the serene property. Melissa’s life has taken on a new rhythm, one that’s deeply rooted in family and nature.
A New Chapter as a Grandmother
In March 2022, Melissa shared her joy of being a grandmother multiple times over. She told Closer, “I absolutely adore it.” Parenthood has given her a fresh perspective on life, and she’s more at peace with herself than ever. She explained, “I am more comfortable in my own skin. Yeah, I wake up in the morning and my ankles are a little bit stiff and there are parts of my body that are lower than they used to be, but I’m still here. I’m still me, I’m still vital.”
That same month, Melissa gave a sweet shout-out to her son Michael on Instagram, celebrating his network TV debut on the CBS series FBI: Most Wanted. It’s evident that family means the world to Melissa, and she treasures every moment with her loved ones.
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Take a look at the gallery below to see some of Melissa’s cutest moments with her blended family!
