“The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” star Mary Cosby is shining a spotlight on her life in a documentary titled “The Cult of the Real Housewife.” Fans will discover a lot more about her life, including her family, but for now, we are taking a look at what we know so far. These are five fast facts about Cosby’s family.
She Married Her Step-Granddad
Mary has a controversial relationship with her husband, Robert Cosby Sr., because he was once her step-grandfather. The couple has been married since September 1998, but Robert was previously married to Mary’s grandmother, Rosemary “Mama” Cosby. He was Rosemary’s second husband.
Mary addressed their coupling in an episode of “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” in Season 1, saying the marriage was “arranged” as “it was kind of in my grandma’s will for us to marry,” People reports.
She Has a Son
Mary and Robert Cosby Sr. have one son, Robert Cosby Jr., who was born in 2005. Robert Jr. has appeared in scenes on “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City,” including emotional scenes that address deeply personal matters such as addiction. He has also been arrested.
Mary discussed her decision to share such a vulnerable part of her family, specifically her son’s life, in an interview with Today in January 2025. “It’s a fine line between putting your kids out there and then protecting them,” she said. “It was just something that I questioned all the way up until it aired.”
There Are Claims of a Cult
Mary is heavily involved in her church and serves as the first lady of the Faith Temple Pentecostal Church, People reports. This title was previously held by her grandmother, who founded the church. Mary addressed the claims of a cult in an interview with Entertainment Tonight in January 2021.
“Clearly I’m not gonna get on national television, be a Housewife and be in a cult,” she said. “Like, come on. I believe in my church. There’s no cult. My church members, they know those are false allegations. Those are ridiculous. It’s the people that are looking for fault.”
She Is a ‘Helicopter Mom’
In an interview with Today in January 2025, Mary admitted that she is a “helicopter mom” and that she wants to “protect my son at all costs.”
Mary Values Her Husband’s Hard Work
In an interview with People in 2024, Mary discussed her relationship with Robert Sr, and how their “friendship” came “before our relationship, before our marriage.”
She continued, “I love that Robert is a hard worker. He’s not lazy. He’s a bishop, and he lives to that. I love that he respects me; I respect him. He finds pleasure in buying me gifts, and he buys me the most beautiful things.”
Mary, you’re very blessed. And beautiful. You’re my favorite housewife because you speak the truth, you speak from the heart & you don’t care if someone doesn’t like what you have to say!!
You go girl….You got this!!
Blessings to you & Robert Jr. & your entire family 🙏