On November 19, Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Mary Cosby opened up about her son Robert Jr. The 19-year-old is currently battling substance abuse issues.
“He’s steady, which I think is good,” Mary said. She was promoting the limited-edition RHOSLC-themed Van Leeuwen ice cream flavor, The SLC Scoop. Close friend and costar Angie Katsanevas was by her side, while some of Mary’s other RHOSLC castmates have also shown support.
“It’s a heavy topic,” she added. “But for me – because it all just came at once on me and I didn’t expect it – I’m taking it day by day … [He’s] doing good.”
Robert Jr. wants to get his own space
Mary shares Robert Jr. with her husband Robert Cosby Sr. As the apple of his mother’s eye, Robert Jr. has made multiple appearances since RHOSLC began in 2020. In Season 5, viewers will see Robert Jr. open up to his mom, in the midst of his substance abuse struggles.
Angie added, “In support of Robert Jr. and Mary, Elektra [Angie’s 13-year-old daughter] and I visited them, and he was so kind, engaging, and sweet to Elektra. He’s such a great kid.”
During the recent RHOSLC couples’ trip to Palm Springs, Mary stayed home to look after Robert Jr. Mary confided that she preferred “missing the trip” so she could be “attentive” to her son.
Mary has been at his side, while Robert Jr. figures things out. He’s still living at home with his parents and doesn’t attend college or have a job. Mary joked, “I’ve got to kick him out of the nest.”
At times, Robert Jr. told his mom he “didn’t want to live”
In 2022, Robert Jr. was arrested for DUI in Utah. According to court documents, he told police officers he took oxycontin and Xanax prior to his arrest, in addition to smoking marijuana. In September 2024, The U.S. Sun reported that Robert Jr. spent time in rehab after “testing positive for cocaine, fentanyl and marijuana.”
Robert Jr.’s problems with drugs go back to at least 2020, when he was arrested for driving under the influence. Arresting officers found “marijuana/spice” on his person, and he was driving without a valid driver’s license.
Last month, Mary told Entertainment Tonight that she’s been by her son’s side throughout his sobriety journey.
“It was an eye-opener for me,” Mary said. There were times when he told his mom he “didn’t want to live,” terrifying words for any mother to hear.
“I don’t have thoughts like that,” she said. “I came to the realization: [drugs can] alter your thoughts and your brain, and they can make you go dark.”
Season 5 may be difficult to watch for anyone who has a loved one who’s been through any kind of substance abuse. I wish nothing but the best for Mary and Robert Jr. as they go through his sobriety journey. I truly hope he finds his way.
The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on Bravo.
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