Melissa Gilbert Launches App for Modern Prairie Lifestyle Brand

Melissa Gilbert, the 59-year-old star of "Little House On The Prairie," has launched an app for her Modern Prairie lifestyle brand. Teaming up with retail and merchandising expert Nicole Haase, Gilbert co-founded Modern Prairie a year ago. The brand aims to empower older women who have been underestimated by the retail industry.

In an interview with People, Gilbert expressed her frustration with the lack of representation for aging women in society. She believes there is so much more to older women than being stereotyped as either a spaced-out old lady or a cranky old woman. Modern Prairie seeks to provide a space where women can connect and support each other.

The newly launched app allows women to come together in a virtual community where they can share their experiences, offer advice, and find solace in knowing they are not alone. Gilbert herself is an active user of the app, witnessing how women support each other through various challenges and life changes.

Gilbert's role as Laura Ingalls Wilder in "Little House On The Prairie" made her a beloved figure, and she acknowledges that some people still perceive her as the young girl she portrayed. However, she emphasizes the importance of embracing the aging process and the wisdom that comes with it.

The Modern Prairie brand offers clothing and home goods inspired by the values of "love, community, and family." Gilbert ensures that these products are made by women-owned or women-run businesses, further supporting female entrepreneurship.

Melissa Gilbert and her husband, Timothy Busfield, live on a 14-acre farm in New York. They enjoy doing chores together, playing backgammon, and simply spending time in each other's company. She credits Busfield for supporting her decision to age naturally, expressing her gratitude for his unwavering love and acceptance.

The launch of the Modern Prairie app marks another milestone for Melissa Gilbert and her dedication to empowering older women. By creating a community that celebrates aging and offers support, Gilbert hopes to change the narrative surrounding women of all ages.