“Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” star Lisa Barlow revealed Mary Cosby‘s son, Robert Cosby Jr., died the day before filming was scheduled to begin for season 7. During her appearance on Andy Cohen‘s “Radio Andy,” the outspoken reality star praised Mary for how she’s handled the difficult loss and spoke about how the tragic event shaped the season.
Barlow, an “RHOSLC” OG, spoke with Dorina Medley on “Radio Andy” and said Robert Jr.’s death was the “hardest thing” to experience. She said that the unfortunate event was a “bonding moment” for the entire cast.
Elsewhere during the conversation, Barlow highlighted Mary’s strength, noting that the 53-year-old lost her son “literally the night before we started filming.”
According to Barlow, Mary, who has also been part of the “RHOSLC” cast since season 1 aired in 2020, has “handled things so incredibly well,” noting that her strong relationship with God is what’s gotten her through the storm.
Barlow Opens Up About Robert Cosby Jr.’s Funeral Service
Viewers will see Mary and the rest of the cast processing Robert Jr.’s death in the upcoming episodes. While a previous report from The Blast states that cameras weren’t allowed at his funeral service, Barlow said the event was “probably the most beautiful experience.”
And Barlow isn’t the only “Real Housewives” star who spoke about the funeral service. “Beverly Hills” staple Kyle Richards also attended the event, per The Blast, and said she showed up to support Mary during the challenging time.
“I’m so grateful that I had the opportunity to be there and support her and experience something like that. Like I said, I will never forget that day ever in my life,” Richards said. “I appreciated her having me there because I just, like I said, I was so touched by it. I just can’t imagine what she’s going through.”
Other ‘Real Housewives’ Stars Showed Up To Support Mary Cosby During Her Son’s Funeral
Another report from The Blast revealed that other “Real Housewives” stars rallied around Mary during her son’s funeral, including her co-stars, Meredith Marks, Heather Gay, Whitney Rose, Bronwyn Newport, Angie Katsanevas, and Britani Bateman.
“Real Housewives of Atlanta” vets Sheree Whitfield and Cynthia Bailey were also in attendance, along with Cohen.
Speaking of Cohen, the Bravo figurehead showed support for Mary during an episode of “Watch What Happens Live,” saying, “Before we go, I want to send all my love and heartfelt condolences to Mary Cosby and her family.”
He said his “heart” was breaking for Mary after learning of the “devastatingly sad news.”
Cohen touched on Mary’s commitment to supporting her son throughout his addiction struggles, sharing, “Mary, you did such a great job. I know their bravery and their vulnerability in sharing their story has helped and will continue to help countless people who are struggling. Rest in peace, Robert Jr., and thanks.”
Robert Cosby Jr. Told Mary That He Was Struggling With Drug Use During An Emotional Conversation
“Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” viewers were aware of Robert Jr.’s addiction struggles, given that he had an emotional and vulnerable conversation with Mary about his drug use during season 5.
While in tears, Robert told Mary that he had been using Xanax and other drugs for years. “I just took half to chill me out, and then I had an Adderall to balance out the Xanax. … When I get high, it’s like adding seasoning to [my life],” he confessed.
Robert Jr. said he noticed things were reaching the point of no return when he began feeling unfazed after taking a combination of drugs. “You know the regular 30mg Oxys? I noticed … this was, like, a turning point for me. I was taking 10 at once, and I couldn’t even feel it,” he said.
Mary Broke Her Silence After Her Son’s Death, Thanked Her Fans For Their Prayers And Support
Robert Jr. died in February 2026. He was 23. Mary broke her silence following the tragic loss, revealing he had been “called home to the Lord.”
She added, “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.”
