Andy Cohen tearfully praises Mary Cosby and Robert Jr.'s 'vulnerability'

Taijuan Moorman, Anna Kaufman and Edward Segarra, USA TODAY Fri, February 27, 2026 at 2:04 PM UTC

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Andy Cohen is praising "Real Housewives of Salt Lake City" star Mary Cosby after the death of her son, Robert Cosby Jr..

The "Housewives" franchise producer and reunion host shared his condolences to the Cosby family, calling the death of Robert Cosby Jr. "devastating" and "every parent's worst nightmare." He added, getting emotional, "I will always appreciate getting a small window into the unconditional love between Mary and Robert Jr."

Cohen thanked the family for opening up about the 23-year-old's mental health and drug addiction on the series.

"Mary, you did such a good job," Cohen continued. "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. died Monday, Feb. 23, after law enforcement responded to an overdose call, Salt Lake City Police Department public information officer Sgt. Greg Wilking confirmed to USA TODAY in a phone call Wednesday. A cause of death has not yet been confirmed.

"Our beloved son Robert Jr. has been called home to the Lord," Mary Cosby, 53, told USA TODAY in a statement Wednesday. "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."

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'RHOSLC' star Mary Cosby's son Robert dies at 23

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Robert Cosby Jr. was featured several times on "RHOSLC," including in a candid and emotional conversation he had with his mother over his substance abuse issues.

Cosby Jr., who Mary Cosby described as a high-achieving, straight-A student growing up, told his mother he had been taking Xanax, along with a slew of other drugs, since he was 16.

"I won't judge you. I can try to help you, but you have to help yourself because I'm not going to support it," a tearful Mary Cosby told her son. "You know I'm not."

Robert Cosby Jr., son of "Real Housewives of Salt Lake City" star Mary Cosby, died on Feb. 23, 2026, at 23.

"I just feel very disappointed with myself," she added in a confessional interview. "I feel like I let him down somewhere. I do know that Robert did smoke weed. I do know he would eat edibles, but yet I just trusted him in my mind, thinking that's where he would stop. And I was clearly wrong."

The conversation was lauded when it aired for its tenderness. The reality star has also stood by him in recent years, speaking openly about his struggles.

"I can just only push him, encourage him and love him. And that's what I'm doing," she said during an appearance on SiriusXM's "Reality Checked" in September.

If you or someone you know needs help battling a substance abuse addiction, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Andy Cohen praises Mary Cosby after death of son Robert Cosby Jr.

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