Mary Cosby has been a polarizing presence on Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City since the series premiered in 2020. Alongside her larger-than-life persona, viewers have also watched the on-screen journey of her only child, Robert Cosby Jr., whose life has included moments of privilege, vulnerability, and profound struggle. Robert Cosby Jr. is the son of Mary and her husband, Robert Cosby Sr., leaders of the Faith Temple Pentecostal Church in Salt Lake City. Mary has previously shared that she and her husband welcomed their son in the early 2000s after trying to conceive for several years, describing him as a bright and gifted child
Growing Up an Only Child
Robert Jr. grew up as the Cosbys’ only child, surrounded by extensive travel and educational opportunities. Mary has said she intentionally exposed him to diverse environments, including living in New York for several years, to ensure he received what she felt was the best possible upbringing. Despite owning homes in multiple states, Robert Jr. has primarily lived with his parents in Salt Lake City. Mary has taken responsibility for sheltering him, acknowledging on RHOSLC that her protectiveness may have contributed to his delayed independence.
A Secret Marriage
One of the most surprising revelations on the show came when Robert Jr. admitted that he had secretly married his girlfriend, Alexiana Arian Smokoff, in a Utah courthouse in August 2022. The marriage remained hidden from his parents for nearly a year, despite the couple living under the same roof. Mary learned the truth during season four of RHOSLC, reacting with visible shock and emotion as her then-20-year-old son explained how the ceremony had been kept secret.
Candid Conversations About Addiction
Robert Jr.’s most impactful on-screen moments came during season five, when he opened up about long-term substance abuse and mental health struggles. In a deeply emotional conversation, he told his mother that he had abused prescription medications and other drugs for years and had experienced suicidal ideation. Mary responded with a mix of grief and self-blame, later saying she felt she had “missed something” as a parent. Following these revelations, Robert Jr. entered rehab and completed a month-long treatment program, which Mary later described as a turning point in his recovery
Legal Troubles and Incarceration
In addition to addiction struggles, Robert Jr. has faced multiple legal issues. These include a DUI arrest in 2022 and several arrests in 2025 related to trespassing, assault, and violations of court orders. In November 2025, he pleaded guilty to multiple charges and was remanded to Salt Lake County Jail, where he remains without bail pending sentencing scheduled for February 2026. The same month, his wife filed for divorce after three years of marriage.
A Mother’s Unwavering Support
Throughout the turmoil, Mary has consistently expressed unconditional love for her son, referring to him as her “everything.” She has described his legal consequences as painful but potentially necessary, framing them as a chance for accountability and growth.
Robert Jr. has since said he is not yet where he wants to be in life — but is determined to keep moving forward. His story has become one of the most raw and emotionally complex arcs on RHOSLC, offering viewers an unfiltered look at family loyalty, addiction, and the long road to recovery
