Mary Cosby posted a celebratory photo of her son, Robert Cosby Jr., weeks before his death at age 23.
The “Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” star shared a photo on her Instagram Stories on February 7 after Robert was released from jail. “#godfirst Love you all🙏❤️ My Beautiful Son.. I love him sm❤️🙏,” she wrote.
In the photo, Robert wore an all-black outfit with a tan beanie while standing outside. Mary added over the image, “Thank you for all the prayers. Love you.”
Several fellow Bravo stars responded in the comments. Bronwyn Newport wrote, “So happy he is home with you!”
Robert also posted similar photos to his own account on February 6, according to Page Six. His carousel included multiple images, including one with a dog. “I’m back :),” he captioned the post.
Robert had been released from jail on February 3 after serving two months. His lawyer told People that he had “expressed deep regret regarding his prior actions and acknowledged that his past behavior demonstrates poor judgment.”
Robert Cosby Jr.’s Death Confirmed by Police
TMZ confirmed that officers responded Monday evening to an overdose call that became a death investigation. Robert was found dead. He was 23.
Robert’s death came months after his estranged wife, Alexiana Smokoff, filed for divorce in November. The couple married at a Utah courthouse in August 2022, a development that became a storyline during season 4 of RHOSLC after they kept their marriage a secret from Mary.
The Bravo series also documented Robert and Alexiana’s struggles with substance use. During season 6, filmed in early 2025, Robert told his mother he felt “at a standstill” after completing a 30-day rehab program.
“I’m not in that dark place, but, like, it’s still there, if that makes sense,” he said on the show.
Later that season, it was revealed that Robert had relapsed.
Mary Cosby Addressed Son’s Legal Issues on RHOSLC
During the season 6 reunion in January, Mary became emotional while discussing Robert’s arrest in November. She said he had allegedly violated a restraining order filed by Alexiana’s family.
“[Her family] filed a restraining order against him, and he went back anyway, thinking that she want[ed] him to come back and save her,” Mary said. “I don’t know where he’s getting that from … delusional.”
At the time, “Watch What Happens Live” host Andy Cohen shared that Robert’s sentencing was scheduled for February 2026.
“I’m not worried about him,” Mary said during the reunion. “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 decisions, and unfortunately, he’s learning the hard way. But I’m OK with it … And I’d rather him be there than dead, you know?”
Mary said she chose not to visit him in jail but confirmed they spoke daily by phone. She also shared that her husband, Robert Cosby Sr., was sending him “a lot of books.”
If you or someone you care about is affected by substance use, contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
