“Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” star Lisa Barlow revealed Mary Cosby‘s son, Robert Cosby Jr., died the day before filming was scheduled to start for season 7. During her appearance on Andy Cohen‘s “Radio Andy,” the outspoken reality star praised Mary for a way she’s handled the difficult loss and spoke about how the tragic event shaped the season.
Barlow, an “RHOSLC” OG, spoke with Dorina Medley on “Radio Andy” and said Robert Jr.’s death was the “hardest thing” to experience. She said that the unlucky event was a “bonding moment” for all the solid.
Elsewhere in the course of the conversation, Barlow highlighted Mary’s strength, noting that the 53-year-old lost her son “literally the night before we began filming.”
Based on Barlow, Mary, who has also been a part of the “RHOSLC” solid since season 1 aired in 2020, has “handled things so incredibly well,” noting that her strong relationship with God is what’s gotten her through the storm.
Barlow Opens Up About Robert Cosby Jr.’s Funeral Service
Viewers will see Mary and the remainder of the solid processing Robert Jr.’s death within the upcoming episodes. While a previous report from The Blast states that cameras weren’t allowed at his funeral service, Barlow said the event was “probably essentially the most beautiful experience.”
And Barlow isn’t the one “Real Housewives” star who spoke in regards to the funeral service. “Beverly Hills” staple Kyle Richards also attended the event, per The Blast, and said she showed as much as support Mary in the course of the difficult time.
“I’m so grateful that I had the chance to be there and support her and experience something like that. Like I said, I’ll always remember that day ever in my life,” Richards said. “I appreciated her having me there because I just, like I said, I used to be so touched by it. I just can’t imagine what she’s going through.”
Other ‘Real Housewives’ Stars Showed Up To Support Mary Cosby During Her Son’s Funeral
One other report from The Blast revealed that other “Real Housewives” stars rallied around Mary during her son’s funeral, including her co-stars, Meredith Marks, Heather Gay, Whitney Rose, Bronwyn Newport, Angie Katsanevas, and Britani Bateman.
“Real Housewives of Atlanta” vets Sheree Whitfield and Cynthia Bailey were also in attendance, together with Cohen.
Speaking of Cohen, the Bravo figurehead showed support for Mary during an episode of “Watch What Happens Live,” saying, “Before we go, I would like to send all my love and heartfelt condolences to Mary Cosby and her family.”
He said his “heart” was breaking for Mary after learning of the “devastatingly sad news.”
Cohen touched on Mary’s commitment to supporting her son throughout his addiction struggles, sharing, “Mary, you probably did such a terrific job. I do know their bravery and their vulnerability in sharing their story has helped and can proceed to assist countless people who find themselves struggling. Rest in peace, Robert Jr., and thanks.”
Robert Cosby Jr. Told Mary That He Was Struggling With Drug Use During An Emotional Conversation
“Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” viewers were aware of Robert Jr.’s addiction struggles, provided that he had an emotional and vulnerable conversation with Mary about his drug use during season 5.
While in tears, Robert told Mary that he had been using Xanax and other drugs for years. “I just took half to sit back me out, after which I had an Adderall to balance out the Xanax. … Once I get high, it’s like adding seasoning to [my life],” he confessed.
Robert Jr. said he noticed things were reaching the purpose of no return when he began feeling unfazed after taking a mixture of medicine. “You understand the regular 30mg Oxys? I noticed … this was, like, a turning point for me. I used to be taking 10 directly, and I couldn’t even feel it,” he said.
Mary Broke Her Silence After Her Son’s Death, Thanked Her Fans For Their Prayers And Support
Robert Jr. died in February 2026. He was 23. Mary broke her silence following the tragic loss, revealing he had been “called home to the Lord.”
She added, “Though our hearts ache, we take comfort in God’s promise and in knowing he’s finally at peace. We’re grateful in your prayers and trust within the Lord to hold us through this time of sorrow.”