The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Mary Cosby was not afraid or ashamed to discuss her son Robert's substance abuse issues before his unexpected death. "Robert was, like, the perfect child. He was very good in school, he got straight As. All the way up until he graduated," Mary said in a RHOSLC confessional, which aired in November 2024. "When he set his mind to do something, he did it. He was, like, our prize. Very smart, very advanced. That's the Robert I know. That's the Robert I'm trying to reach." Robert, who underwent in-patient treatment the next year, was found dead in February 2026 after authorities responded to a suspected overdose. He was 23 and an official cause of death was not immediately shared. "Our beloved son Robert Jr. has been called home to the Lord," Mary, who shared her son with husband Robert Cosby Sr., told Us Weekly in a statement. "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." Mary Cosby's Son Robert Jr.'s Ups and Downs on 'RHOSLC' Before Death at 23 Keep scrolling for more of Mary's candid remarks about Robert Jr.'s struggles: November 2024 Robert Cosby Jr. admitted to his mom, Mary Cosby, on a 2024 episode of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City that he was struggling with substance abuse. "I feel like I let him down somewhere," Mary said in a confessional. "I trusted him in my mind, thinking that's where he would stop. I was clearly wrong. I missed the mark." November 2024 "He's steady, which I think is good," Mary Cosby exclusively told Us of her son's sobriety journey. "It's a heavy topic, but for me, because it all just came at once on me and I didn't expect it, but I'm taking it day by day." December 2024 Mary Cosby revealed on Watch What Happened Live that she was "so proud" of son Robert Cosby Jr.'s progress. "He did go to rehab, he stayed for a month [and] he completed it," Mary explained. "He did an excellent job, he came out [a new person]." Mary further revealed that she "needed" her husband, Robert Cosby Sr., to help navigate their son's struggles. "He's experienced drugs when he was younger, so he would be able to guide Robert better," Mary said of her spouse, who has long opted against appearing on RHOSLC. Mary Cosby Says Her Son Is 'Steady' After 'Heavy' Season of 'RHOSLC' September 2025 Mary Cosby offered an update on son Robert Cosby Jr. while speaking with Us Weekly during the RHOSLC cast's cover story. "I can honestly sit here and say he's doing very good," Mary exclusively told Us. "He's really good, and I pray that he stays good. He's actually in one of our homes now. He's kind of there by himself, and he's recuperating so he's doing good." According to Mary, it "truly shocked" her to initially learn that her son was struggling. "I immediately started blaming myself, because I thought, 'You can't judge him and his life and his choices,'" she said. "I don't believe in judging people. I'm just not a judger. I don't like judging people, and I don't like to do it. ... If he's opening up enough to tell me something this crucial, then why would I judge? I have no choice but to sit there and receive it and accept it and hope that I can help him." January 2026 Mary Cosby revealed during the RHOSLC cast's season 6 reunion that Robert Cosby Jr. was incarcerated for violating a protective order. (Robert Jr. pleaded guilty to the charges and was released from police custody in February 2026.) "I'm happy. I'm in a good place. I'm not worried about him," Mary told reunion host Andy Cohen. "I know he's somewhere where he's not using. At some point, I have to step back so that he can learn and he can make his own decision, and unfortunately, he's learning the hard way." If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357)