Mary Cosby gave an update on her son Robert Jr.’s mental state and health five months before his death at age 23.
“I can honestly sit here and say he’s doing very good,” Cosby, 53, exclusively told Us Weekly in September 2025 as part of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City cast’s cover story that hit newsstands one month later.
Mary, who shares Robert Jr. with husband Robert Cosby Sr., noted that her only child had “a little bit of a setback a couple weeks ago” but that he was “really good” at the moment.
“He’s really good, and I pray that he stays good,” she shared with Us. “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.”
Mary Cosby Charles Sykes/Bravo
News broke on Wednesday, February 25, that Robert Jr. died in Utah following a possible overdose but his cause of death has not been confirmed.
A Salt Lake City Police Department spokesperson told Us that authorities responded to a dispatch for an overdose at 6:14 p.m. on Monday, February 23. Robert Jr. was found dead upon officers’ arrival. The police noted that a death investigation is currently “open and active.”
Mary told Us in a statement on Wednesday, “Our beloved son Robert Jr. has been called home to the Lord. Though our hearts ache, we take comfort in God’s promise and in knowing he is finally at peace. We are grateful for your prayers and trust in the Lord to carry us through this time of sorrow.”
The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Mary Cosby says her son Robert Jr. is doing well after his stay in a rehabilitation facility for substance abuse issues. “He did go to rehab. He stayed for a month. He completed it. He did an excellent job. He came out a new person,” Mary, 52, […]
As fans of RHOSLC know, Mary’s only child has struggled with substance abuse over the past few years after Robert Jr. opened up about taking drugs during a November 2024 episode.
“I’m taking Xanax,” Robert Jr., then 21, told Mary on the show. “I just took half to chill me out and then I had an Adderall to balance out the Xanax. … When I get high, it’s like adding seasoning to [my life].”
He confessed, “At first, I was like, ‘I’m going to just stick to natural stuff.’ Then, I went to a party, and someone gave me Xanax. I started buying it. Then, I started doing Xanax with Acid and then Molly with Xanax. I really like Xanax so I mix it with everything. Xanax and cocaine. You know the regular 30mg Oxys? I noticed … this was, like, a turning point for me. I was taking 10 at once and I couldn’t even feel it.”
Robert Cosby Jr. Courtesy of Mary Cosby/Instagram
Mary was visibly surprised by her son’s revelation but vowed to help him through his struggle however she could.
“That actually, truly shocked me,” Mary exclusively told Us in her cast’s 2025 cover story. “I immediately started blaming myself, because I thought, ‘You can’t judge him and his life and his choices.’”
She shared, “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.”
Mary noted at the time that it was “great” to know her son could be so open and honest with her, especially on TV.
“It’s a blessing, and it’s unusual,” she told Us in fall 2025, revealing she and Robert Jr. had received a “lot of feedback” from fans after he shared his truth.
Mary added, “It’s not about getting attention. It’s not for sympathy. It’s not for people to feel sorry for us. It’s to help someone.”
The pastor explained that she had “no regrets” about telling Robert Jr.’s addiction story so publicly, saying, “I know at the end of this, good will come out of it.”
After he first spoke about his drug use on RHOSLC during the 2024 episode, Robert Jr. checked into an in-patient rehab facility in 2025.
Once he was out, Robert Jr. was arrested in fall 2025 for violating a protective order.
“I’m happy. I’m in a good place. I’m not worried about him,” Mary confessed during the RHOSLC season 6 reunion in January when asked about Robert Jr.’s arrest. “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.”
Robert Jr. pleaded guilty to the charges and was released from jail in early February.
“#godfirst Love you all🙏❤️ My Beautiful Son.. I love him sm❤️🙏,” Mary captioned an Instagram post about Robert Jr. on February 7, after he returned home safely.
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).
