Cynthia Bailey said she phoned Mary Cosby after news of the death of Robert Cosby Jr.
Fellow Housewives Reach Out After Tragedy
Bailey described the call on her Humble Brag podcast. She told listeners she felt “paralyzed” by the news. “I was really paralyzed by this news when I got it,” she said. “I didn’t really know what to do, what to say. I knew that I couldn’t text. I just felt like I had to pick up the phone and call [Mary], and I did, and to my surprise, she picked right up. Then I was really surprised, because I didn’t expect her to pick up.”
Shortly into the conversation, Bailey said Cosby repeatedly told her, “It’s okay.” Bailey called the exchange heartbreaking and steadying. “One of the things that she just said, ‘It’s okay,’” Bailey recalled. “She just kept saying, ‘It’s okay. It’s okay.’”
Bailey praised Cosby for her public candor about her son’s struggles. She noted that Robert Jr.’s on-camera honesty helped other families. “Her son sharing that part of his life was so powerful and so honest,” Bailey said. “I just applaud Mary for being just so brave to show [that].”
Authorities responded to a medical emergency at Cosby’s Salt Lake City home on Feb. 23. Police dispatch audio reported a 23-year-old male “not conscious” and “not breathing.” Responders administered Narcan at the scene, according to reporting. The incident later became a death investigation.
Production on the Real Housewives franchise paused after the news. Bravo suspended filming on the Salt Lake City series while the network and cast processed the loss. Cast members and colleagues offered public condolences.
Bailey said she had seen Cosby while filming The Real Housewives Ultimate Road Trip last month. She said Cosby had sounded optimistic about her son’s recovery then. Bailey added that she looks forward to seeing Cosby again. “We love you, Mary. I love you so much, and you’re always in my heart and thoughts and prayers,” Bailey said. “I can’t wait to see you again, to give you the biggest, tightest hug.”
Mary Cosby and her husband issued a written statement expressing faith and sorrow. They wrote they take comfort in “God’s promise” and that their son is “finally at peace.” Cosby later honored her son on Instagram.