Fans and celebrities are rallying around Mary Cosby as she mourns the loss of her beloved son, Robert Cosby Jr. His death was announced on Wednesday, February 25. TMZ reports that he had died two days earlier, on Monday, February 23.
Mary has shared a heartbreaking statement about her son’s passing, but a report has also revealed the impact this tragedy will have on the production of “Real Housewives of Salt Lake City.”
Filming for ‘Real Housewives of Salt Lake City’ Paused
“Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” Season 7 was scheduled to begin filming this week in Utah, People reports, adding that “production was halted after the devastating news.” It is unclear how long this pause will last and whether Mary will be part of the new season. She starred in Season 6 alongside Lisa Barlow, Heather Gay, Whitney Rose, Angie Katsanevas, Meredith Marks, and Bronwyn Newport.
In a statement on Instagram, Mary shared the news of her son’s death. “Our beloved son Robert Cosby Jr. has been called home to the Lord,” she wrote. “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.”
Many of Mary’s “Real Housewives” family have shown their support for her with heartfelt comments, including Gay, Kyle Richards, Candiace Dillard Bassett, and Lisa Hochstein. Tributes continue to pour in.
“Real Housewives” executive producer Andy Cohen also shared his condolences in a comment on Threads. “Devastatingly sad news out of SLC. This is every parent’s worst nightmare. My heart is broken for Mary, and I am sending all my love to her and Robert Sr,” he wrote.
Mary Cosby Mourns Her Beloved Son
Robert Jr. died in Utah, although no cause of death has been reported. He was 23. “Police responded to a possible overdose, and it turned into a death investigation upon arrival,” TMZ reports.
Robert Jr’s struggles have been made public, including emotional scenes addressing his addiction, which had previously been shown on “Real Housewives of Salt Lake City.” This was an incredibly tough decision for Mary, but she ultimately felt it was the right choice. In an interview with Today in January 2025, she said, “It’s a fine line between putting your kids out there and then protecting them. It was just something that I questioned all the way up until it aired.”
