The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Mary Cosby has broken her silence after her son Robert Cosby Jr.’s premature death.
“Our beloved son Robert Jr. has been called home to the Lord,” Mary, 53, told Us Weekly on Wednesday, February 25. “Though our hearts ache, we take comfort in God’s promise and in knowing he’s finally at peace. We’re grateful on your prayers and trust within the Lord to hold us through this time of sorrow.”
Earlier on Wednesday, a Salt Lake City Police Department spokesperson told Us that they responded to a dispatch for an overdose at 6:14 p.m. on Monday, February 23. Robert was found dead upon authorities’ arrival. He was 23.
A reason behind death has not been publicly shared. Based on local law enforcement, a death investigation is currently “open and energetic.”
Mary shared her only child with husband Robert Cosby Sr. The Bravolebrity had opened up about Robert Jr.’s substance abuse struggles throughout her tenure on RHOSLC.
“I’m taking Xanax,” Robert, then 21, told Mary on a November 2024 episode. “I just took half to sit back me out after which I had an Adderall to balance out the Xanax. … After I get high, it’s like adding seasoning to [my life].”
Robert Cosby Jr. Courtesy of Mary Cosby/ Instagram
He continued, “At first, I used to be like, ‘I’m going to simply follow natural stuff.’ Then, I went to a celebration, and someone gave me Xanax. 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 every little thing. Xanax and cocaine. 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.”
Mary, who was admittedly shocked by her son’s confession, tried to supply her support and assistance.
“That truly, truly shocked me,” Mary exclusively told Us Weekly within the RHOSLC forged’s October 2025 cover story. “I immediately began blaming myself, because I assumed, ‘You may’t judge him and his life and his decisions.’”
She added on the time, “I don’t consider in judging people. I’m just not a judger. I don’t like judging people, and I don’t prefer to do it. … If he’s opening up enough to inform me something this significant, then why would I judge? I actually have no alternative but to sit down there and receive it and accept it and hope that I may also help him.”
Based on Mary, her son was “doing superb” after opening up about his addiction.
“I can truthfully sit here and say he’s doing superb,” Mary told Us of her son’s sobriety journey, revealing that Robert Jr. “had a little bit little bit of a setback” but would hopefully “[stay] good.”
Robert Jr. checked into an in-patient rehab facility in 2025, months before he was arrested for violating a protective order.
“I’m completely happy. I’m in an excellent place. I’m not fearful about him,” Mary tearfully said of Robert Jr.’s incarceration in the course of the RHOSLC season 6 reunion, which aired last month. “I do know he’s somewhere where he’s not using. Sooner or later, I actually have to step back in order that he can learn and he could make his own decision, and unfortunately, he’s learning the hard way.”
Robert Jr., who pleaded guilty to the fees, was released from jail earlier in February.
In case you or someone you already know is battling substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).