Mary Cosby will reportedly continue with the upcoming season of “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” following the sudden death of her son, Robert Cosby Jr.
Although there was speculation she might take step away for Season 7, sources close to the production told TMZ on Friday that she has chosen to continue filming.
According to the insiders, the decision to keep working was entirely Mary’s. She reportedly sees the show as a way to maintain structure as she copes with her grief, and is drawing strength from her faith and inner circle.
Cosby, along with her castmates Heather Gay, Meredith Marks, Lisa Barlow, Whitney Rose, Angie Katsanevas, and Bronwyn Newport, were scheduled to begin filming this week, but production was put on hold after they learned of Robert Jr.’s death.
The reality star and her husband, Robert Cosby Sr. shared the news on Wednesday, saying their 23-year-old son was “finally at peace.”
“Our beloved son Robert Jr. has been called home to the Lord,” the couple shared on Instagram. “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.”
According to Salt Lake City police, Robert Jr. was found dead Monday night when officers responded to call for a possible drug overdose. Police told the Daily News the medical examiner is investigating his cause of death.
On Thursday night’s episode of “Watch What Happens Live,” executive producer Andy Cohen became emotional while addressing the news.
“Before we go, I want to send all my love and heartfelt condolences to Mary Cosby and her family after news broke yesterday about the tragic passing of Mary’s son, Robert Jr.,” Cohen said. “This devastatingly sad news is every parent’s worst nightmare. My heart breaks for Mary. I will always appreciate getting a small window into the unconditional love between Mary and Robert Jr.”
Andy’s heartfelt message to the Cosby family. pic.twitter.com/y5M60xmhRq
— Watch What Happens Live! (@BravoWWHL) February 27, 2026
The mother and son were open about his struggles with drug addiction, having an honest and heart-wrenching conversation that was shown during Season 5.
“Sometimes, I feel like — I don’t know — life is like chicken unseasoned … but when I get high, it’s like adding seasoning,” Robert Jr. said.
His death follows months of legal troubles in the wake of his split from his wife, Alexiana Smokoff. Robert Jr. was just released from jail earlier this month after pleading guilty to assault, trespassing and violating a protective order filed by Smokoff.
In the Season 6 “Salt Lake City” reunion, which aired in January, Mary shared an emotional update on her son’s incarceration.
“I know he’s somewhere where he’s not using,” Mary tearfully said. “You don’t want to see your kid suffer, but I know it’s good. I’d rather him be there than dead.”
It’s unclear how Robert Jr.’s death will be addressed in the upcoming season. Sources told TMZ that her castmates have put aside any drama to rally around Mary and her family.
The pause in production is anticipated to postpone the timeline for Season 7.
