RHOSLC's Mary Cosby Details Grief Journey After Son Robert Jr.'s Death
RHOSLC's Mary Cosby Shares Devastating Tribute to Son Robert Days After His Death
Mary Cosby will never stop missing son Robert Cosby Jr.
The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star mourned the death of her and husband Robert Cosby Sr.'s only child, who died in February at age 23, for the first time on camera during the Bravo series' heartbreaking season seven premiere.
"I miss him," Mary admitted in a confessional during the Sept. 16 episode just three weeks after his untimely passing. "He was my best friend, he was my kid. He had that love for me that I've never experienced. He loved big, you could just see it through his eyes, you could feel it come out of his body."
"I miss our conversations, I miss his company," the Bravolebrity added. "He was my gift and I loved him like I never loved anything."
Of course, Mary wasn't the only family member left gutted by Robert's death. The Pentecostal pastor shared how Robert Jr.'s pet dog Kray was also traumatized by his sudden departure.
"We took Kray to Bubs' room and let him smell the room, smelled his clothes that he had on," the 53-year-old recounted in a confessional. "And he knew, bless his heart. I feel like Bub's dog is a piece of Bubs. They had the most beautiful bond, so it's like a piece of Bubs is left. And every time I see him I think of my kid, I think of my son."
But Mary wasn't burdened by the constant reminders of her late child. Quite the opposite, in fact.
"Stuff like that just comforts me, helps me get through," she explained. "It's a blessing and I don't want to lose it. I don't want to lose me, so I try not to go to that dark place. I don't want to cry about it because it doesn't do any good."
So, instead of mourning, Mary celebrated Robert's life with a "Homegoing" memorial service that emphasized her son's lasting legacy and newfound peace.
As she recounted, "Robert Jr.'s homegoing was one of the most beautiful services I have ever been in. So many people stopped by, so many people reached out. I get messages daily, every day, at least 1,000. 'Praying for you,' 'here for you,' and I don't know how to thank them, I don't know how I could reach them, but I hope they're watching. I hope they see me and I just want to tell them thank you."
Instagram/Mary Cosby
Mary's mission to remain a pillar of strength despite the unthinkable tragedy continued as her RHOSLC costars made a group visit to her house for the first time after his funeral. And in the spirit of sisterhood, the women—including Heather Gay, Angie Katsanevas, Lisa Barlow, Meredith Marks, Whitney Rose and Bronwyn Newport—put aside their feuds to support their longtime cast member.
Heather described the service as "celebratory and rapturous," adding, "Like full of energy and support."
Meanwhile, Angie reflected, "Mary gave us all permission to let go, let the light in, celebrate this beautiful young boy's life. It was really beautiful."
For Meredith's part, she applauded Mary and Robert for showcasing his battle with substance abuse on the reality series. "He helped a lot of people," she told Mary, "and that took courage to share."
Mary agreed, "I believe what we did is the right thing and to this day I believe it."
Koury Angelo/Bravo
After thanking her friends for supporting her through the tragedy, Mary explained why she was so determined to overcome the grief.
"I have to move forward," she stated. "And Robert would want me to keep going. And his spirit will live within me forever. He helped me see life, you know? He was a little light."
Plus, Mary hoped to show the world that "we can overcome anything," even the loss of an only child.
"I wanted to sob, but I feel at peace," she noted. "I feel like he's not battling, he's not struggling and wanting me to help and then I couldn't. That's a type of guilt that a parent has to deal with is you can't help him. You just don't know how strong you are until you absolutely have to be."
The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on Bravo. In the meantime, keep reading to learn more about the season seven drama.
Koury Angelo/Bravo
Heather Gay
Heather Gay is in love and busy spending time with her new boyfriend, Tripp. "Though she's excited to embrace her relationship era and new opportunities," Bravo teased, "Heather looks to bury the hatchet with Lisa and Meredith, who may not be as open to moving on."
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Lisa Barlow
This season, Lisa Barlow is "more committed to her family than ever following an emotional heart-to-heart with her husband, John, and the return of her oldest son, Jack, from his Mormon mission," Bravo teased. "As she begins to pursue a music career, one of her songs ruffles feathers within the group."
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Mary Cosby
"After the devastating loss of her son Robert Jr., the ladies rally behind Mary Cosby and are prepared to put their feuds aside to support her," read Bravo's logline. "As she focuses on her healing, Mary finds solace in Robert Sr., her faith and the path ahead."
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Angie Katsanevas
Angie Katsanevas is "discovering herself and finding her voice, but in doing so realizes she may be growing apart from the person she loves the most and must navigate troubles at home," according to Bravo's description. "In the group, Angie and Heather's close bond deepens, but she and Lisa refuse to see eye to eye."
Koury Angelo/Bravo
Bronwyn Newport
"Bronwyn Newport is busier than ever as she navigates life without Todd, seeks advice from Muzzy and prepares to move out with her daughter, Gwen," the network teased. "Though her new model boyfriend, Brandon, is quick to charm, the group begins to question what's really going on in Bronwyn's life."
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Britani Bateman
Britani Bateman is ready to move on from her ex Jared Osmond (allegedly). "Never one to back down," read Bravo's logline, "she's determined to bring some positivity and fun to the group, but things go awry as her pot-stirring ways continue."
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Meredith Marks
Meredith Marks' friendship with Lisa deepens as she looks to hold some of the other women accountable.
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Whitney Rose
This season, Whitney Rose is "on a journey of self-reflection and is making major changes in her life, including where she stands with her husband, Justin," according to the network. "While her bond with Bronwyn is as strong as ever, Whitney looks to make amends with Lisa and Meredith, though the road ahead may be uneasy."
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Ashley Quai
New to the cast this season is Lisa and Whitney's friend Ashley Quai, a Utah native, entrepreneur, motorcycle enthusiast and former makeup artist. "Better known as Quai," read Bravo's bio, "she quickly realizes how fast rumors travel when an anecdote about her husband becomes fodder for the ladies."
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