“Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” star Mary Cosby‘s life was forever changed on February 23 when her son, Robert Cosby Jr., passed away at 23. Now, months later and ahead of the season premiere of the hit Bravo show, Cosby is reflecting on her son’s death and going in depth about how it’s changed her as a person.
Vulture interviewed Cosby ahead of the season seven premiere of “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City.” Early in the interview, the reporter noted her son’s passing and asked for an update on her and her husband, Robert Cosby Sr.
The “RHOSLC” star began, “I think I went into shock. I don’t know if it ever hit me.” After that, Cosby said she can still feel Jr.’s presence. According to her, “I still feel his spirit, and I don’t know how that could be unless he’s okay and he made it to the good side. I feel him safe. I feel him tucked away. I feel him away from danger, so a part of me can rest.”
Cosby then said, “It changed me,” before noting her previous hopes that her son, who suffered from addiction, could improve. She said, “I was so worried about him, but I thought he would get better and he would be that proof, like, ‘Look, people, you can change.’ But that was not the way he was supposed to go.”
She explained, “People don’t leave unless it’s their time. I mean, this kid had nine lives. He had accident after accident, and finally it caught up with him. I think that it was for the good.” Cosby went on to describe a “peace” in her home that didn’t exist before.
The grieving mother added, “So we’re thankful but hurt, if that makes sense.”
Mary Also Discussed Talking To ‘RHOSLC’ Producers About Robert Jr.’s Death
Later, while discussing her son, the Vulture reporter asked about her communications with producers or higher-ups at Bravo. She mentioned one “Housewives” producer in particular, saying, “Lisa Shannon screamed at the top of her lungs and cried her heart out to the point that Robert Sr., it touched him.”
Cosby continued, “She cried so hard it touched both of us and brought us close.” From there, the conversation turned to her involvement with the show, and she said that Noah Samton, the Senior Vice President of Unscripted/Current Content at NBCUniversal, wanted her to take a break.
She recalled, “When it first happened, Noah told me I didn’t have to come back. He’s like, ‘You don’t have to worry about your job. You take a year off, you take a season off, you will have your job.’”
Regarding her response, Cosby explained, “And I thought, If I do that, then I’m gonna go darker into what I’m in. I’m gonna just sit at home, I’m gonna think about it. I’m gonna constantly be at ends: ‘Why, what, how, when, what could I have done better, what could I have changed?’ I would have beat myself up.”
Cosby then said she told Samton she wanted to “distract” herself with the show.
Mary Cosby Released A Statement After Her Son’s Passing
Cosby issued a statement two days after her son passed away. Per Bravo, she said, “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.”
She added, “We are grateful for your prayers and trust in the Lord to carry us through this time of sorrow.” Additionally, the network offered its condolences to Cosby and her family.
The statement read, “We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Mary’s beloved son, Robert Jr. Mary is a cherished member of our family, and our thoughts, love, and deepest condolences are with her and her loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
‘RHOSLC’ Star Meredith Marks Discussed How Mary Cosby Has Coped
Marks spoke to Entertainment Tonight in September 2026 to promote season seven of “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City.” During the lengthy conversation, the loss of Cosby’s son was mentioned, with Marks calling her costar “an inspiration” for how she coped with the loss.
She said, “Watching how she handled everything, viewers are going to be kind of pleasantly surprised.” After that, the “RHOSLC” star explained, saying, “Mary was just so strong, and it’s inspirational to people in handling difficult things in life.”
‘RHOSLC’ Season 7 Premieres September 16
Production on season seven of “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” was slated to begin on February 23, which is the same day Cosby Jr. died. After the tragedy, filming was pushed back to early March, and Cosby began filming weeks after her co-stars.
Now, several months later, the season is set to premiere on September 16. In addition to Cosby and Marks, season seven stars Whitney Rose, Lisa Barlow, Angie Katsanevas, and Bronwyn Newport. Britani Bateman and Ashley Quai will appear as friends of the show.
