Mary Cosby decided to return to filming “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” just weeks after her son’s death, and she had her reasons.
The reality star said she did not want to stay home and let grief consume her. Mary was given the option to step away from the show after the devastating loss.
Mary Cosby’s son, Robert Cosby Jr., died at 23 on February 23, 2026. A Salt Lake City Department reportedly received a call about an overdose case. Robert was found dead on arrival.
Mary Cosby Couldn’t Just ‘Sit Around And Sulk’
Mary explained that she did not want to sit at home after Robert’s death. She feared having too much time alone would make her thoughts even darker. Mary decided that returning to work could give her something else to focus on.
“I just didn’t want to sit around and sulk,” Mary said during an appearance on “Watch What Happens Live,” with Andy Cohen. She added that her son would want her to go on and push, and that’s what she did. Mary also said she wanted to be distracted and keep going after losing her son.
During the interview, which was uploaded on YouTube, the grieving mother revealed that strong faith has gotten her through her difficult time. Ricky Lake, who was also present in the interview, shared that she is someone who’s “accustomed to loss.” She said she lost her husband almost a decade ago.
The Reality Star Was Offered A Full Year’s Leave From The Show
Mary also remembered the conversations she had with people from the show after her son’s death. One producer, Lisa Shannon, became emotional when speaking with Mary and her husband, Robert Cosby Sr. Mary said the moment brought her and her husband closer to Lisa.
The Blast reported that NBCUniversal executive Noah Samton told Mary she did not have to return. He offered her the option of taking a full year or an entire season away from the show. Mary said she instead wanted to use filming as a way to distract herself.
“When it first happened, Noah told me I didn’t have to come back,” Mary recalled. She said he assured her that her job would still be there whenever she was ready. The reality star decided that staying busy would be better for her than remaining at home.
Mary Cosby Said Her Late Son ‘Had Nine Lives’
Mary had an interview with Vulture, where she also talked about her grief. She shared that she went into shock. She said she still feels her son and doesn’t know if his death ever hit her.
She also revealed that she believes Robert is safe and “made it to the good side.” The TV star shared that people don’t leave unless it’s their time. “I mean, this kid had nine lives. He had accident after accident,” she added.
Mary reportedly resumed filming for “RHOSLC” earlier this year following Robert Jr.’s death. The season premiere showed her castmates rallying around her after the loss. Meredith Marks, Lisa Barlow, Bronwyn Newport, Whitney Rose, Angie Katsanevas and Heather Gay supported her during the difficult period, as per Us Magazine.
Mary’s Son Was Given A Private Funeral
Robert’s funeral was also kept away from cameras as Mary and her family mourned privately. The ceremony took place on March 7, with family, friends, and several Bravo stars attending. Guests reportedly gave up their phones so the event could remain private.
On March 16, The Blast reported that Cynthia Bailey attended after Mary asked her to come. Bailey said there were no cameras or video crews at the funeral. She described the gathering as a real private moment for Mary and those closest to her.
Several “Real Housewives” stars attended to support Mary during the funeral. Bailey also said the support showed that the relationships between the women could extend beyond the reality show. She described the gathering as a moment of genuine love and sisterhood.
Meredith Marks Saw Mary Cosby’s Strength During The New Season Of ‘RHOSLC’
The mother of three recently spoke about Mary’s grief during an interview ahead of the season seven premiere. Entertainment Tonight‘s Brice Sander asked her how Robert’s death had affected the new season. Marks became emotional while discussing what Mary went through.
“We, a lot of times, lose sight of what’s really important in life,” she said. She added that there was “nothing bigger or more important than what Mary went through this season.” Marks also described Mary as “an inspiration” because of how she handled the loss.
She said viewers would be “pleasantly surprised” by how Mary dealt with her grief. Marks added that Mary was “so strong” and inspirational to people facing difficult situations.
The Bravo star also spoke about her own decision to return for season seven. She admitted that she had considered leaving after season six because the experience had “really not been fun.” The Blast shared that Marks later returned because she did not want to leave the show “on such a sour note.”
What will Mary Cosby reveal next?
