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Mary Cosby, known for her role on The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, openly discussed her son Robert’s struggles with substance abuse prior to his untimely passing.
During a November 2024 episode of RHOSLC, Mary reflected on her son’s earlier years, saying, “Robert was an exemplary child, excelling academically with straight As right through graduation. He was determined and accomplished whatever he set his mind to. He was our pride and joy—intelligent and ahead of his time. That’s the Robert I hold onto, the one I strive to connect with again.”
Tragically, Robert’s life came to an abrupt end in February 2026, when he was discovered dead after a suspected overdose. He was 23 years old, and the official cause of death was not immediately released.
Mary, alongside her husband Robert Cosby Sr., expressed their grief in a statement to Us Weekly, saying, “Our beloved son Robert Jr. has been called home to the Lord. Our hearts are heavy, yet we find solace in God’s promise, knowing he is finally at peace. We appreciate your prayers and trust in the Lord to guide us through this period of mourning.”
Throughout her time on The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, Mary Cosby was candid about her experiences as a mother, sharing insights into her son Robert Jr.’s battle with addiction. In an exclusive interview with Us Weekly in November 2024, she acknowledged, “It’s a difficult subject to address, but for me, it’s an important part of our journey.”
Keep scrolling for more of Mary’s candid remarks about Robert Jr.’s struggles:
November 2024
Robert Cosby Jr. admitted to his mom, Mary Cosby, on a 2024 episode of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City that he was struggling with substance abuse.
“I feel like I let him down somewhere,” Mary said in a confessional. “I trusted him in my mind, thinking that’s where he would stop. I was clearly wrong. I missed the mark.”
November 2024
“He’s steady, which I think is good,” Mary Cosby exclusively told Us of her son’s sobriety journey. “It’s a heavy topic, but for me, because it all just came at once on me and I didn’t expect it, but I’m taking it day by day.”
December 2024
Mary Cosby revealed on Watch What Happened Live that she was “so proud” of son Robert Cosby Jr.’s progress.
“He did go to rehab, he stayed for a month [and] he completed it,” Mary explained. “He did an excellent job, he came out [a new person].”
Mary further revealed that she “needed” her husband, Robert Cosby Sr., to help navigate their son’s struggles.
“He’s experienced drugs when he was younger, so he would be able to guide Robert better,” Mary said of her spouse, who has long opted against appearing on RHOSLC.
The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Mary Cosby shared an update on how her son Robert Jr. is doing amid his substance abuse struggles. “He’s steady, which I think is good,” Mary, 52, exclusively told Us Weekly while promoting the limited-edition RHOSLC-themed Van Leeuwen ice cream flavor, The SLC Scoop, alongside costar Angie […]
September 2025
Mary Cosby offered an update on son Robert Cosby Jr. while speaking with Us Weekly during the RHOSLC cast’s cover story.
“I can honestly sit here and say he’s doing very good,” Mary exclusively told Us. “He’s really good, and I pray that he stays good. He’s actually in one of our homes now. He’s kind of there by himself, and he’s recuperating so he’s doing good.”
According to Mary, it “truly shocked” her to initially learn that her son was struggling.
“I immediately started blaming myself, because I thought, ‘You can’t judge him and his life and his choices,’” she said. “I don’t believe in judging people. I’m just not a judger. I don’t like judging people, and I don’t like to do it. … If he’s opening up enough to tell me something this crucial, then why would I judge? I have no choice but to sit there and receive it and accept it and hope that I can help him.”
January 2026
Mary Cosby revealed during the RHOSLC cast’s season 6 reunion that Robert Cosby Jr. was incarcerated for violating a protective order. (Robert Jr. pleaded guilty to the charges and was released from police custody in February 2026.)
“I’m happy. I’m in a good place. I’m not worried about him,” Mary told reunion host Andy Cohen. “I know he’s somewhere where he’s not using. At some point, I have to step back so that he can learn and he can make his own decision, and unfortunately, he’s learning the hard way.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357)