UPDATE 2/25/26 at 6:03 p.m. ET — Andy Cohen shared a message of support to Mary Cosby after news broke of son Robert Cosby Jr.’s death.
“We’re so sad to read the news about Mary Cosby’s son, Robert and I can’t consider anything worse than losing a toddler and in this manner,” Cohen said on the Wednesday episode of SiriusXM’s Andy Cohen Live. “[Cohost] John [Hill], you and I actually have talked a lot on this show about addiction and the heartbreak that’s associated and I actually have a lot love for Mary.”
Cohen shared that he spoke with Mary for “some time” on Tuesday, February 24 — sooner or later after Robert Jr. died, noting that that is “every parent’s worst nightmare.”
“You and I talked about this too, nearly how much respect we had for the best way that she spoke to Robert after we saw them talking about this on air and what I actually admired was that she form of met him where he was in a way, and she or he was form of gently steering him or guiding him,” Cohen said.
Cohen recalled that Robert Jr. was in jail when the RHOSLC season 6 reunion was filmed. (Robert Jr. violated a protective order in 2025. He pleaded guilty to the costs and was released from jail earlier this month.)
“She was really hoping that he can be scared straight and I suppose that didn’t occur,” Cohen claimed. He concluded that they’re “sending all our like to Mary and Robert.”
Original story:
Andy Cohen is speaking out concerning the death of Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Mary Cosby’s son, Robert Cosby Jr.
“Devastatingly sad news out of SLC,” Cohen, 57, wrote via Threads on Wednesday, February 25. “That is every parent’s worst nightmare. My heart is broken for Mary, and I’m sending all my like to her and Robert Sr.”
TMZ reported on Wednesday that Robert Jr. died in Utah on Monday, February 23, following a possible overdose. His official reason behind death has yet to be confirmed. He was 23.
In response to the outlet, police responded to a call on Monday for a “full arrest” and “medical emergency.” After the hearth department and paramedics arrived on the scene, authorities launched a death investigation.
Mary, 53, subsequently confirmed Robert Jr.’s death in a press release to Us Weekly.
“Our beloved son Robert Jr. has been called home to the Lord,” she said on Wednesday. “Though our hearts ache, we take comfort in God’s promise and in knowing he’s finally at peace. We’re grateful to your prayers and trust within the Lord to hold us through this time of sorrow.”
Robert Jr. was the one child of Mary and her husband, Robert Cosby Sr. The couple have been married since 1998.
Robert Jr.’s struggles with addiction were documented on The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. (Mary was an original Housewife during seasons 1 and a couple of and returned to the most important solid for seasons 5 and 6.)
During an episode that aired in November 2024, Robert Jr. revealed that his substance abuse issues began when he was 16.
“At first, I used to be like, ‘I’m going to only follow natural stuff.’ Then, I went to a celebration, and someone gave me Xanax,” he recalled on the time. “I began buying it. Then, I began doing Xanax with Acid after which Molly with Xanax. I actually like Xanax so I mix it with all the pieces. Xanax and cocaine.”
He added, “ the regular 30mg Oxys? I noticed … this was, like, a turning point for me. I used to be taking 10 without delay and I couldn’t even feel it.”
Mary grew emotional as her son shared his addiction battle along with her. In a confessional, she said she was “disenchanted” in herself.
“I feel like I let him down somewhere,” she continued, explaining that she thought Robert Jr. was only using marijuana. “I trusted him in my mind, pondering that’s where he would stop. I used to be clearly fallacious. I missed the mark.”
On the time, Robert Jr. also told Mary that he “desired to die” at one point and she or he was the “only reason” he didn’t commit suicide.
“I just felt like a stain,” he said. “I just felt like this world wasn’t for me.”
The next month, Mary shared on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen that Robert Jr. accomplished a month-long stay in rehab and “got here out a brand new person.”
In November 2025, Robert Jr. was arrested following repeated incidents together with his estranged wife, Alexiana Smokoff — who filed for divorce that very same month — and her father. Robert Jr. ultimately pleaded guilty to assault, trespassing and violating a protective order, in line with court documents obtained by Us on the time.
Us exclusively reported in February that Robert Jr. and Smokoff finalized their divorce.
Weeks before his death, Robert Jr. was released from Salt Lake County Metro Jail on February 3 after two months behind bars. Per court documents, he was sentenced to 36 months of probation and 75 hours of community service.
For those who or someone you already know is fighting substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).