Mary Cosby suffered a terrible blow with the death of her son Robert Cosby Jr, but she's decided to return to work on the upcoming season of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City.
Sources told TMZ the reality star, 53, believes that getting back to work will help provide necessary structure during this difficult grieving period.
Many people around her assumed she would want to take more time for herself rather than get in front of the cameras for season 7 so soon after the tragedy, but that's not what Cosby wants.
Cosby wants to work as she continues to lean on faith and friends, according to the outlet.
She will be allowed to work at whatever pace she is comfortable with.
While The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City is known to have some of the most intense and chaotic drama of the franchise, the cast has mobilized in support of Cosby, who had a premonition her son would die weeks before his passing.
Mary Cosby suffered a terrible blow with the death of her son Robert Cosby Jr, but she's decided to return to work on the upcoming season of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City.
Sources told TMZ the reality star believes that getting back to work will help provide necessary structure during this difficult grieving period following her son's shock death on Monday at the age of 23.
Robert, Cosby's only son with husband Robert Sr, died on Monday three weeks after his release from prison.
Police initially responded to what was described as a 'possible overdose,' which later became a death investigation, per People. An official cause of death has not been released.
Cosby and her husband shared a statement with the Daily Mail, asking for 'peace' for their late son.
'Our beloved son Robert Jr. has been called home to the Lord. Though our hearts ache, we take comfort in God's promise and in knowing he is finally at peace,' the couple said.
'We are grateful for your prayers and trust in the Lord to carry us through this time of sorrow.'
Bravo released its own statement of sympathy, saying: 'We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Mary's beloved son, Robert Jr. Mary is a cherished member of our family, and our thoughts, love, and deepest condolences are with her and her loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.'
Andy Cohen also took to Threads to react to the heartbreaking news.
'Devastatingly sad news out of SLC,' Cohen wrote. 'This is every parent's worst nightmare. My heart is broken for Mary, and I am sending all my love to her and Robert Sr.'
Robert was the only son of the reality star and husband Robert Cosby Sr
Cosby wants to work as she continues to lean on faith and friends, and she will be allowed to work at whatever pace she is comfortable with.
The star's family was sometimes featured on the show including her troubled son.
Robert's death comes just weeks after he was released from Salt Lake County Metro Jail after serving two months behind bars after pleading guilty to assault and violating a protective order.
Robert's death comes just weeks after he was released from Salt Lake County Metro Jail. He had served two months behind bars after pleading guilty to assault and violating a protective order.
His attorney Clayton Simms told People at the time that Robert 'expresses deep regret regarding his prior actions and acknowledges that his past behavior demonstrates poor judgment.'
Three days after his release, Robert's mom shared a photo of him, alongside the message, 'Thank you all for your prayers. Love you.'
Cosby has appeared on The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City since its beginning, with her family life occasionally featured on the show. Robert appeared on the Bravo series several times over the years.
During season four, Cosby revealed she had learned that her son had secretly married his girlfriend Alexiana Smokoff without her knowledge.
The wedding reportedly took place in August 2022 at a Utah courthouse.
Robert and Alexiana's alleged struggles with substance use were also featured as part of Cosby's storyline on the show. In November, Alexiana filed for divorce.
Robert had a history of legal issues and was arrested in Utah in September on multiple alleged charges, including trespassing and assault.
The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City is known to have some of the most intense and chaotic drama of the franchise.
But the cast has mobilized in support of Cosby during this difficult time.
He was previously arrested in 2022 for driving under the influence, at which time police said he did not have a valid license and failed to follow traffic laws. He later pleaded guilty to the DUI charge.
During part 2 of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City season 6 reunion, which aired in January, Cosby spoke about her son's arrest and time in jail.
'I know he's somewhere where he's not using,' she said. 'Unfortunately he's learning the hard way, but I'm okay with it.'
Still, she said, as a mother, 'you don't wanna see your kid suffer, but I know it's good, and I'd rather him be there than dead.'