Melissa Gilbert has discovered she has three elder brothers.

The Little House on the Prairie actress, 62, was adopted at birth and she's been unravelling her family tree in recent years - she's now found three elder brothers on her birth mother's side of the family after previously finding out she had three half-siblings on her dad's side.

In a post on Melissa explained the latest revelations, writing: "For those who don't know, I was adopted at birth. For which I will be eternally grateful.

"Decades ago, I found my birth father's family. Including my three older half siblings. Those relationships were a bit fraught.

"Not very close and still full of secrets. Not what I'd hoped but ultimately an important part of my story and one for which I will always be grateful to them for.

"A few weeks ago I connected, trough an app with my fifth biological cousin on my birth mothers side ... His intrepid research... led me to my biological siblings on my birth mother's side.

"I'd always wished for a big brother and I found out I have three. [Matt, Laird] and Mark (who passed years ago)."

Melissa went on to share a post from Matt, who shared his delight in finding out he had a younger sister.

Matt wrote: "Well ... this wasn't on my 2026 bingo card. After 66 years, I learned that my brothers Laird Steven E. Paine and Mark A Olson Sr. and I have a biological sister!

"Unfortunately Mark Is no longer here to share in the excitement, but his son Mark Olson is!

"Some of you already know this story, but many of you don't. It's been an incredible few weeks of discovering family history, sharing stories, asking a million questions, and getting to know someone I never knew existed.

"That little sister is [Melissa Gilbert]! Yes ... that Melissa Gilbert from Little House on the Prairie."

He went on to add: "Before anyone asks, the part that means the most to me isn't that she's a public figure. It's that we've finally found each other after a lifetime apart.

"I also want to point out that my adopted sister, Marianna, who has been my sister my entire life, is my rock! Finding a biological sister doesn't change that one bit. I'm incredibly fortunate to have both of them in my life.

"None of this would have happened without our incredible cousin Harry Lee Scott, who connected all the dots. Harry, thank you! You gave us a gift that words can't fully express.

"I'm looking forward to seeing where this new chapter leads. Family has a funny way finding each other, even after 62 years."